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Museum · Nuremberg, Baviera
Germanisches Nationalmuseum
Germany's largest museum of cultural history, founded in 1852 and housed in a former Carthusian monastery. It brings together art and objects from prehistory to the 20th century.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Germanisches Nationalmuseum
The Germanisches Nationalmuseum was founded in 1852 by a group led by Baron Hans von und zu Aufseß, with the idea of bringing together the cultural history of German-speaking peoples. Today it holds about 1.3 million objects, of which around 25,000 are on display.
The museum occupies the former Kartause, Nuremberg's Carthusian monastery, closed in 1525 and handed over to the museum in 1857, with new buildings added throughout the 20th century. The medieval cloisters are part of the route. The collection ranges from prehistoric finds to paintings and sculptures of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, scientific instruments, toys, clothing, furniture and musical instruments.
The main entrance is on Kartäusergasse, transformed by Israeli sculptor Dani Karavan into the Straße der Menschenrechte, the Street of Human Rights: white columns carry the articles of the Declaração Universal in various languages.
Some rooms are closed for several years for renovation of two buildings. Check what is open before you go.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
At least 2 hours for the highlights; half a day for museum lovers.
Best time
In the morning, when you have more energy for the large collection, or on a rainy day. Check the closing days before you go.
How to get there
On foot, about a 10-minute walk from the Nürnberg Hauptbahnhof, in the south of the old town, near the wall. The Opernhaus subway station is nearby.
Tip
Pick up the map at the entrance and choose which wings to visit: trying to see everything is tiring. The Straße der Menschenrechte at the entrance can be seen at any time.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Germanisches Nationalmuseum
How much time should I allow for the Germanisches Nationalmuseum?
At least two hours for the highlights. Those who enjoy medieval and Renaissance art could spend half a day.
What is the Straße der Menschenrechte?
It is the museum's entrance street, with white concrete columns that display the articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in various languages. The work is by the sculptor Dani Karavan.
Is the entire museum open?
Some rooms may be closed for renovation; check which rooms are open before you go.