Museum of Ethnology

Founded in 1879 and based around a small ethnographical collection, the Museum of Ethnology sees itself as a symbol of Hamburg's cosmopolitan outlook. One of the largest museums of its kind in Europe, it presents around 350,000 exhibits illustrating the history of folk art and culture around the world. A permanent exhibition entitled "A roof for all cultures" in the magnificent "boat hall" provides an insight into the museum's work with numerous rarely or previously unseen objects and photos. The vibrant museum involves its visitors on several levels. It regularly holds an international arts and crafts market where you can watch artisans from a number of countries at work and browse their creations. Closed 24, 25 and 31 December, 1 January, and on Mondays (except public holidays and arts and craft market days).