BallinStadt Emigration Museum
Explore German emigration history in original 19th-century halls, tracing millions of journeys to the New World.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more focus
BallinStadt Emigration Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more focus
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore German emigration history in original 19th-century halls, tracing millions of journeys to the New World.
"A wonderful museum telling stories of immigration, with thought-provoking impulses and visual candies. "
🗣️ Language Support
Bring a translation app or prepare for primarily German text. An audio guide is available.
🔎 Ancestor Research
Pre-visit genealogical research can enhance your understanding of the exhibits.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Original Emigration Halls
Museum Grounds
Step back in time in the authentic 19th-century halls where millions began their journey.
Jette the Rat's Story
Exhibition Halls
A charming children's narrative guides younger visitors through the emigration experience.
Sesame Street Exhibition
Special Exhibition Area
Meet beloved characters and explore the history of the German Sesame Street.
+2Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Ancestry Research Tips
Language Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗣️ Language Support
Bring a translation app or prepare for primarily German text. An audio guide is available.
🔎 Ancestor Research
Pre-visit genealogical research can enhance your understanding of the exhibits.
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Trail
Follow Jette the Rat's story for an engaging experience for children.
🌳 Outdoor Relaxation
Enjoy the grounds, cafe, or picnic areas for a relaxing break.
Tips
from all over the internet
🗣️ Language Support
Bring a translation app or prepare for primarily German text. An audio guide is available.
🔎 Ancestor Research
Pre-visit genealogical research can enhance your understanding of the exhibits.
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Trail
Follow Jette the Rat's story for an engaging experience for children.
🌳 Outdoor Relaxation
Enjoy the grounds, cafe, or picnic areas for a relaxing break.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
The layout can be confusing; give yourself time to explore each hall.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise BallinStadt Emigration Museum for its authentic historical setting and engaging presentation of emigration stories, especially the children's narrative. However, the limited English text and potentially confusing layout are noted drawbacks.
"Please note: text boxes are in German and English, see photos.
This is a very good museum on the emigrant experience, mostly in the nineteenth century. The layout is a bit confusing and I found it difficult to follow the sequential numbering of the displays.
The restaurant is basic and the gift shop is tiny."
Rachel Stevens
"Wonderful museum that tells a lot of stories about and around immigration - not just from Hamburg - and including legal frameworks and developments through the centuries.
The exhibition is carefully and impeccably presented through 3 halls giving a lot of thought-provoking impulses, visual candies and places to sit down, listen and feeling through.
Separatly I cannot but mention the children-friendly story that goes through the whole exhibition and presented by the cute little Jette the Rat. My schoolchildren liked it a lot.
The only improvement I suggest is adding English texts to the mostly German ones. I am sure foreign visitors who are following the footsteps of their forefathers would greatly appreciate it.
The museum grounds are taken good care of too and one can enjoy sitting in the young birch-trees shadows, taking a meal from the museum's cafe outside and savour it in the plaineair or make a picnic on the meadow nearby.
We will definitely return here, bit for now - big thanks to the people behind this wonderful museum!"
alikus2000
"This museum has impressed the great work of the Ballin family, starting in business as an emigration agent and expanding to a full service transportation service for emigrants to travel from Hamburg Germany to other continents and ensuring the level of health required was achieved before sending the persons abroad. Children are addressed through the museum (4 stages) by the mascot mouse and various social activities in each area of the museum. Historical facts for most families!"
Timothy Z
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is accessible via public transport. Take the S-Bahn (S3 or S21) to Wilhelmsburg station, then a short bus ride (e.g., bus 13 or 152) to the 'BallinStadt' stop.
Yes, there is parking available for visitors. However, public transport is recommended due to potential limited spaces.
Yes, it's possible to visit during a cruise stop, but plan your time carefully to account for travel to and from the port.
The most convenient way is to take the S-Bahn to Wilhelmsburg and then a bus. Driving is also an option, but consider traffic.
The museum aims to be accessible, but it's always best to check their official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on accessibility features.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary, especially with special exhibitions. It's recommended to check the official BallinStadt Emigration Museum website for the most current hours before your visit.
Admission prices vary for adults, children, and concessions. Special exhibitions may have separate or combined ticket prices. Check the museum's website for current pricing.
Yes, purchasing tickets online in advance is often recommended, especially during peak seasons or for special exhibitions, to save time and guarantee entry.
Discounts are typically available for students, seniors, and groups. Family tickets may also be offered. Details are usually found on the museum's official website.
Absolutely! The museum offers educational programs and is a popular destination for school groups, with interactive elements designed for younger learners.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum focuses on the history of German emigration, particularly from Hamburg to the New World, housed in original 19th-century emigration halls.
Yes, the museum incorporates interactive elements, including a children's narrative with a mascot mouse named Jette, making it engaging for various ages.
While the museum provides context and stories of emigrants, detailed genealogical research might be limited. It's best to conduct your own research beforehand.
The primary language for the exhibits is German. An audio guide and a limited English booklet are available to assist non-German speakers.
Yes, the museum frequently hosts special exhibitions, such as the '50 Years of Sesame Street' or LEGO-themed displays, adding variety to the visitor experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the museum has a cafe offering basic meals and refreshments. Visitors can also enjoy their food outdoors.
The museum grounds are well-maintained, and visitors are welcome to have picnics on the meadow nearby or enjoy food from the cafe outdoors.
The cafe offers a basic menu, suitable for a light meal or snack during your visit.
While the museum has its own cafe, there might be local eateries in the Wilhelmsburg district if you're looking for more extensive dining choices.
The cafe is generally family-friendly, offering a casual setting for a break during your museum visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography for personal use is generally permitted, but flash photography might be restricted to protect exhibits. Always check for specific signage.
The original emigration halls offer a unique historical backdrop. Special exhibitions, like the Sesame Street or LEGO displays, also provide fun photo opportunities.
Yes, the exterior grounds and the historic buildings are great for photography, especially on a sunny day.
Drone usage is typically restricted in and around museums and public attractions. It's best to avoid flying drones to comply with regulations.
A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial for indoor shots. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the scale of the emigration halls.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+2Consider bringing snacks or enjoying a picnic on the museum grounds, as the cafe offers basic refreshments. The outdoor areas provide space for children to move around and burn off energy.
genealogical Enthusiasts
It's highly recommended to conduct your own genealogical research before your visit. This way, you can connect the stories and exhibits within the museum to your own family history, making the experience far more personal and impactful.
International Visitors
Despite the language barrier, the visual storytelling and the historical atmosphere of the original emigration halls are powerful. Special exhibitions, like those featuring LEGO® or Sesame Street, often have broader appeal and may be more universally understood.
+3 Planning your visit with a translation tool or focusing on the visual aspects can still lead to a rewarding experience.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Emigration Experience
The exhibition is thoughtfully presented across three halls, providing a comprehensive overview. It delves into the legal frameworks and societal developments surrounding emigration through the centuries. The museum aims to be thought-provoking, offering visual insights and spaces for reflection.
For families, a special narrative featuring 'Jette the Rat' guides children through the exhibition, making the historical context more accessible and engaging for younger visitors. This approach ensures that the complex history of emigration is understood and appreciated by all ages.
Special Exhibitions and Events
+2LEGO® enthusiasts have also found a reason to visit, with exhibitions showcasing intricate LEGO® creations, such as a detailed Colosseum model. These events highlight the museum's versatility and its ability to connect historical themes with popular culture and hobbies.
These special exhibitions not only attract new visitors but also provide returning guests with fresh experiences. They demonstrate the museum's commitment to remaining a dynamic and relevant cultural institution in Hamburg, offering diverse programming throughout the year.
Visitor Experience and Accessibility
Language accessibility is a significant point of feedback. While the museum provides an audio guide and a single English booklet, the primary exhibition text is in German. This can be a barrier for international visitors, particularly those following in the footsteps of their ancestors.
Despite these challenges, the museum grounds are well-maintained, offering pleasant outdoor spaces for relaxation, dining at the cafe, or picnicking. The children's narrative is consistently praised for its effectiveness in engaging younger visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit