German National Museum, Nuremberg
As one of Bavaria’s most important cultural centers, Nuremberg is home to an impressive range of museums, taking visitors on a journey through art and history. To help you plan your itinerary, here are 5 of Nuremberg’s best museums.
1. German National Museum
Founded in 1852 and home to Germany’s largest collection of German art and culture, the German National Museum easily ranks among Nuremberg’s top museums. More than 1.2 million items make up the vast permanent collection, including paintings, sculptures, historical documents, musical instruments and toys.
2. Documentation Centre, Nazi Party Rally Grounds
Arguably Nuremberg’s most important museum, the Documentation Centre at the former Nazi Party Rally Grounds offers a harrowing insight into the war years and the city’s prominent role in the Third Reich administration. The permanent exhibition ‘Fascination and Terror’ is a must-see, dealing with the Nazi regime and rise to power, the effects of war on the city and the notorious post-war Nuremberg Trials.
3. Albrecht Dürer’s House
The former home of local artist Albrecht Dürer is now a museum dedicated to his life and works, and it’s a fascinating tribute to Germany’s most prominent Renaissance artist. The striking 15th-century townhouse, with its gabled roof and timber-fronted façade, lies at the heart of Nuremberg’s Old Town and is crammed full of Dürer’s paintings, prints, maps, sketches and personal items. Best of all, is the top-floor art studio, where visitors can try their hand at engraving.
4. New Museum
Opening its doors in 2000, the aptly named New Museum (Neues Museum) is Nuremberg’s leading museum of contemporary art and design, featuring a huge collection of paintings, sculptures, photography and multimedia installations. Housed in a futuristic glass-paneled building, highlights include works by Richard Lindner, Fluxus, Concept Art and Jirí Kdár, an exhibition devoted to post-war design, and a varied roster of temporary exhibitions.
5. Nuremberg Toy Museum
One of Nuremberg’s most unique and fun museums, the Nuremberg Toy Museum is a nostalgic homage to the city’s legendary toy-making industry, which dates back to the Middle Ages. Along with a huge collection of EP Lehmann toys and famous brands like Barbie, Lego and Playmobil, you’ll find a huge model railroad, a fascinating collection of antique toys, a display of Schuco cars and a puppet theatre.
- Contributed by Zoe Smith