Germany offers its visitors some of the best museums in the world! From the Museum Island in Berlin to the Museumsufer in Frankfurt, you will always be surrounded by this country’s rich and vibrant museum culture.
But it isn’t always ancient artifacts, religious treasuries or modern paintings that you can see. The following is a list of some of Germany’s most unusual museums and galleries. If you crave a unique and memorable experience, then check out these places!
Zeche Hannover and Kiddies Colliery in Bochum, North Rhine-Westphalia
The Zeche Hannover, known to English speakers simply as the Hanover Coal Mine (Günnigfelder Straße) was the last coal mine to be closed in Bochum, back in 1973. It has been preserved and expertly restored as a heritage site for Bochum’s industrial history.
If you want to know more about the dirty history of coal, a once-important resource, then look no further! The Kiddies Colliery is a fun place to bring the children (or the young-at-heart) to find out all about the inner workings of the coal mine. Bring your hard hat
Chocolate Museum in Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia
This museum is a dream come true for the chocoholics of the world! The Schokoladenmusem (Am Schokoladenmuseum 1a) at the Rhine River in Cologne features the fascinating history of chocolate-making where you can learn all about how this beloved substance gained its popularity. The best part is, after the tour, you can sample some of this delicious treat at the Cafe or the Beach Terrace. Yum!
German Cookbook Museum in Dortmund, North Rhine-Westphalia
Whether you love cooking or eating, the German Cookbook Museum (Deutsches Kochbuchmuseum, An der Buschmühle 1) in Dortmund is sure to please. There is a fine collection of delicious recipes, most courtesy of the 19th century German cook Henriette Davidis.
In addition, the museum features an interesting exhibit about the role of women in this time, and the evolution of cooking technology through the 1960s. It’s the perfect place to whet your appetite for an authentic German meal.
Giraffe Museum in Dortmund, North Rhine-Westphalia
We have another entry from the city of Dortmund with this interesting museum that is the perfect place for lovers of these long-necked animals. This private collection (Wickeder Hellweg 25) is a strange gathering of all things giraffe — from giraffe-shaped sculptures to giraffe-adorned teapots — make this a one-of-a-kind museum.
Don’t forget to make a reservation in advance.
German Hygiene Museum in Dresden, Lower Saxony
If you’re in the mood for a more off-beat location then head to the German Hygiene Museum in Dresden (Lingnerplatz 1). You won’t see celebrated paintings or famous sculptures here, but you will see an intriguing collection of antique grooming and ophthalmology equipment.
Some items on display include old dressing tables, razors, powder boxes and wig stands. The ophthalmology exhibit shows some fascinating old examination equipment and antique spectacles.
Museum of Inland Navigation in Duisburg, North Rhine-Westphalia
As the site of an inland port, Duisburg is the natural place for a Museum of Inland Navigation (Apostelstraße 84). This Duisburg museum was actually once an indoor swimming pool but was renovated and is now presented in an Art Nouveau design. The museum offers an idea of the life of a sailor. Inside you’ll find model ships as well as real ones.
Don’t overlook the highlights of any trip to this museum! The Oscar Huber, a paddle steamer from 1921, and the Minden, a bucket dredger from 1882, are both docked within a few minutes walk of the museum. If you have your heart set on visiting these interesting ships, be sure to check the weather.
In very cold and icy conditions, the boats are closed to the public.
Mustard Museum in Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia
This Düsseldorf museum is a place you won’t find just anywhere but Germany. Of course, our country is famous for its delicious mustard. The Mustard Museum (Berger Straße 29) opened in 2004 and has since been offering visitors information on this wonderful condiment that is such an important part of German cuisine.
Bring your own bratwurst. ;-)
Dialogue Museum in Frankfurt, Hesse
For a “slightly different” kind of museum experience — one with nothing to see — head over to the Dialogue Museum in Frankfurt am Main (Hanauer Landstrasse 139-145). The blind museum offers a pitch-black exhibit in which visitors must rely on their other senses to “see” them through.
This sensual museum will leave you with an experience you’ll never forget.
Miniature Wonderland in Hamburg
Our last unusual museum brings us to Hamburg. Miniature Wonderland (Kehrwieder 2-4) features model railways, trains and scenery. It made it into the Guinness Book of World Records for the world’s largest computerized model railway.
This impressive display boasts 250,000 miniature trees, 15,000 m (almost 50,000 ft) of tracks with 15,000 carriages and 5,000 houses and bridges. The whole complex encompasses an area of 4,000 square meters (13,000 square feet)!
—Marcus
