Germany is a country that has a rich history and cultural heritage. One of the most prominent symbols of this cultural heritage is the Germany National Museum, known as Germanisches Nationalmuseum, located in Nuremberg, Bavaria. This museum is the largest museum of cultural history in the German-speaking world and is home to an extensive collection of artifacts and artworks that date back to the Middle Ages. In this article, we will provide a detailed guide to the Germanisches Nationalmuseum, exploring its history, collections, exhibitions, and other relevant information.
The Germanisches Nationalmuseum, also known as the German National Museum, is a museum of cultural history in Nuremberg, Bavaria. The museum was founded in 1852 and has since become one of the largest and most important museums in Germany. The museum’s collection includes over 1.3 million objects, covering a wide range of topics from art and culture to science and technology. The museum is also an important center for research and education, providing resources and facilities for scholars, students, and visitors alike.
History of the Germany National Museum
The Germanisches Nationalmuseum was founded in 1852 by a group of scholars, artists, and collectors who wanted to create a museum that would showcase the cultural history of Germany. The museum was initially housed in a building in the city center of Nuremberg, but it soon outgrew this space and moved to its current location in the former Augustinian monastery in the Johannis district of the city. Over the years, the museum has expanded its collection and facilities, adding new wings, galleries, and exhibition spaces.
Collections of the Germany National Museum
The collection of the Germanisches Nationalmuseum is one of the largest and most diverse in Germany. It includes over 1.3 million objects, ranging from prehistoric artifacts to contemporary artworks. The museum’s collections are divided into several departments, including:
- Decorative arts
- Fine arts
- Numismatics
- Clocks and scientific instruments
- Music instruments
- Toys and games
- Prints and drawings
- Photography
Exhibitions at the Germany National Museum
The Germanisches Nationalmuseum has a rich and varied program of exhibitions, showcasing its vast collections to visitors from around the world. The museum’s exhibitions cover a wide range of topics, from ancient civilizations to contemporary art, and are presented in a variety of formats, including traditional displays, multimedia installations, and interactive exhibits. Some of the current and upcoming exhibitions at the museum include:
- “Mythos Bayern” (Myth of Bavaria)
- “Kaiser und Sultan” (Emperor and Sultan)
- “Karl IV. – Ein Kaiser in Europa” (Charles IV – An Emperor in Europe)
- “David & Co. – Goliath Stories in Art”
- “The World of the Brothers Grimm”
- “Tina Modotti: Fotografin und Revolutionärin” (Tina Modotti: Photographer and Revolutionary)
Visiting the Germany National Museum
The Germanisches Nationalmuseum is open to visitors six days a week, from Tuesday to Sunday. The museum is closed on Mondays and on some public holidays. The opening hours of the museum are from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, with extended opening hours until 9:00 pm on Wednesdays.
The admission fee for the Germanisches Nationalmuseum is €8 for adults, €5 for reduced tickets (seniors, students, disabled visitors), and €1 for children and teenagers under 18 years of age. The museum also offers discounted tickets for groups and families.
Visitors to the museum can explore the museum’s collections and exhibitions at their own pace or join one of the guided tours offered by the museum. The museum also provides audio guides in several languages to help visitors navigate the museum’s collections and exhibitions.
The Germanisches Nationalmuseum is wheelchair accessible, and the museum provides assistance and facilities for visitors with disabilities. Visitors can also take advantage of the museum’s cloakroom, lockers, and restroom facilities.
Research and library services at the Germanisches Nationalmuseum
The Germanisches Nationalmuseum is not only a museum but also an important research and education center. The museum’s library is one of the largest and most important libraries in Germany for art and cultural history research. The library holds over 1 million volumes, including books, journals, and manuscripts, and provides research facilities for scholars and students.
The museum also offers research and conservation services for its collections, as well as support for external research projects and collaborations.
Online resources and virtual tours of the Germanisches Nationalmuseum
The Germanisches Nationalmuseum provides a range of online resources and virtual tours for visitors who cannot visit the museum in person or who want to learn more about the museum’s collections and exhibitions. The museum’s website includes a digital collection of over 80,000 objects, as well as virtual tours of some of the museum’s exhibitions.
The museum also provides educational resources for teachers and students, including lesson plans and activities related to the museum’s collections and exhibitions.
Conclusion
The Germanisches Nationalmuseum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the cultural history of Germany. With its vast collections, varied exhibitions, and rich program of events and activities, the museum offers something for visitors of all ages and interests. Whether you are a scholar, student, or simply a curious traveler, a visit to the Germanisches Nationalmuseum is sure to be a memorable and enriching experience.
FAQs
- What are the museum’s hours of operation?
The Germanisches Nationalmuseum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm. It is closed on Mondays.
- What is the admission fee for the museum?
General admission to the Germanisches Nationalmuseum is €8.00. Reduced admission for students, seniors, and groups is €5.00. Admission is free for children under 18.
- Can visitors take photographs in the museum?
Yes, visitors are allowed to take photographs in most parts of the Germanisches Nationalmuseum, but without flash or tripod. However, some temporary exhibitions may have restrictions on photography, so it’s always best to check with museum staff first.
- Does the museum have a gift shop or restaurant?
Yes, the Germanisches Nationalmuseum has both a gift shop and a restaurant. The gift shop offers a wide range of souvenirs, art prints, and books, while the restaurant serves traditional German cuisine and has a lovely outdoor seating area.
- Is the museum accessible for visitors with disabilities?
Yes, the Germanisches Nationalmuseum is accessible for visitors with disabilities. The museum has a wheelchair ramp at the main entrance, and elevators to all floors. The museum also offers audio guides with descriptions of the exhibits, and tactile models for the visually impaired.
References
- Germanisches Nationalmuseum official website: https://www.gnm.de/en/
- “Germanisches Nationalmuseum.” Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., n.d. Web. 06 Apr. 2023.
- “Germanisches Nationalmuseum.” Museumsportal Berlin. Stiftung Preußischer Kulturbesitz, n.d. Web. 06 Apr. 2023.
- “Germanisches Nationalmuseum Nuremberg.” Lonely Planet. Lonely Planet, n.d. Web. 06 Apr. 2023.
