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Museums

Police Museum Hamburg

4.7 · 1,338 reviews
Serious and educational
Police Museum Hamburg, Carl-Cohn-Straße 39, 22297 Hamburg
Interesting facts
1

The museum is situated directly on the grounds of the Hamburg Police Academy, providing cadets with immediate access to historical case studies.

2

The collection includes the original forensic equipment used to solve some of Hamburg's most notorious post-war criminal cases.

3

Exhibits explicitly address the role of the Hamburg police force during the period of National Socialism, including their participation in the Holocaust.

4

The site features a permanent exhibition on the evolution of police motorcycles and patrol cars throughout the 20th century.

5

The museum archives contain historical service weapons and gear dating back to the formation of the unified Hamburg police department.

6

It maintains a focus on current forensic science, including DNA analysis and digital investigation techniques used by modern German authorities.

Overview

The Police Museum Hamburg is located within the Hamburg Police Academy, offering a comprehensive look at the history of local law enforcement from the 19th century to the present. The collection is housed in a dedicated building on the Alsterdorf police campus. Exhibits detail the evolution of police technology, uniform changes, and forensic methods. A significant portion of the gallery focuses on high-profile criminal cases in Hamburg and the development of the police force during the Nazi era. Visitors can view historical patrol vehicles, forensic laboratory equipment, and specialized weaponry. The museum serves both as an educational public institution and a training site for police cadets. It is one of the few museums in Germany managed in direct conjunction with an active police training facility. The displays incorporate interactive elements designed to explain modern police procedures.

Photo spot

The collection of historical police patrol cars and vintage motorcycles in the main exhibition hall.

Insider tips

Check the official website for specialized guided tours, which often provide more technical depth than self-guided visits.

Since the museum is located on an active training campus, carry a valid government-issued photo ID as you may be asked to present it at the gate.

What to avoid

Do not attempt to photograph police cadets, staff, or restricted training areas outside of the museum building.

Good to know

Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Etiquette

Maintain a respectful demeanor as the site is located within an active professional training facility.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
1.5-2 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings, as the museum is less crowded and the police academy environment feels more authentic.
Address
Police Museum Hamburg, Carl-Cohn-Straße 39, 22297 Hamburg
53.603, 10.006
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsHistorical patrol vehicles, forensic evidence displays, and the Nazi-era police history exhibition.

Frequently asked

Plan for about 1.5-2 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday mornings, as the museum is less crowded and the police academy environment feels more authentic..

The collection of historical police patrol cars and vintage motorcycles in the main exhibition hall.

Close by you'll find Stadtpark, Planetarium Hamburg, Komödie Winterhuder Fährhaus.