Directly at Hamburg Central Station, at Steintorplatz, is the Museum for Arts and Crafts (MK&G). Since its opening in 1877, it has been one of the leading museums for applied arts in Europe. With an impressive collection of over 500,000 objects, the MK&G offers a comprehensive overview of 4,000 years of art and cultural history from European, Islamic, and Asian cultures.

What Makes the Museum for Arts and Crafts So Special

The collections range from antiquity to the present, with particular mention of the Period Rooms, including the Mirror Room from the Budge Palace and the Paris Room, which provide an authentic insight into historical living cultures. Another highlight is the Mirror Canteen, an original design piece by the famous designer Verner Panton from the 1960s.

The collection encompasses numerous areas, including:

• Antique Artworks: Objects from Greek and Roman antiquity.
• Asian Art: Collections from China, Japan, and Korea, including ceramics, lacquer works, and textiles.
• Islamic Art: Carpets, calligraphy, and handcrafted works from the Islamic cultural sphere.
• Design History: Furniture, fashion, and everyday objects from Art Nouveau to contemporary design.
• Photography: An extensive collection of historical and contemporary photographs.

1. The museum was opened in 1877 and is one of the oldest decorative arts museums in Europe.
2. The collection includes over 500,000 objects, ranging from decorative arts to everyday culture.
3. Within the building, so-called Period Rooms, such as the Mirror Hall from the Budge Palace, are authentically recreated.
4. The collection of historical musical instruments includes about 700 pieces from several centuries.
5. A dedicated museum library provides access to around 200,000 volumes on art and cultural history.
6. The Art Nouveau collection is considered one of the most significant of its kind worldwide and is internationally recognized.
7. With over 75,000 photographs, the photographic collection is one of the oldest in Germany.
8. Since 2012, the museum has been showcasing a modernly curated design department featuring about 1,000 selected objects.
9. The extensive fashion collection includes more than 10,000 individual pieces from the 18th century to the present.
10. Particularly impressive is the historical poster collection, which documents political, cultural, and advertising themes.

Adults and culture enthusiasts will find a mix of design, crafts, photography, and fashion history here. The special exhibitions often tackle socially relevant topics.

Families with children can look forward to interactive offerings. Many exhibitions are complemented by media elements, participation stations, or creative workshops. There is a regular program specifically for children that introduces design, art, and technology in a playful way. School classes and students often use the museum for projects, art lessons, or studies – not least because of the easily accessible knowledge transfer and the museum's educational offerings.

And: The museum is barrier-free accessible – a plus for wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments, and families with strollers.

Tip: Every 1st Thursday of the month from 6 PM onwards, entry is free for all visitors. Anyone who arrives an hour before closing only pays 5 €.