The 10 Best Museums and Galleries in Nuremberg You Should Visit

Indulge your inner child and check out Nuremberg’s famous Toy Museum. Set over 1,400 square meters, the museum exhibits an extensive selection of historic toys, from old-fashioned dolls to cars, trains and steam engines on the ground floor. The upper floor has been dedicated to modern favorites such as Lego, Barbie, Playmobil or Matchbox cars. Additionally, the museum hosts the world’s most important selection of Lehmann’s tiny toys and shares the history of the company’s rise to fame. The Toy Museum also has an imaginative children’s area where its smaller guests can play to their hearts’ desire.

Opening Hours: Tue-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat-Sun 10am-6pm

The Germanic National Museum dates back to 1852 and houses one of the country’s most important collections of German artifacts and art, ranging from the pre-historic ages to modernity. With an impressive 1.2 million objects, this is the country’s largest museum of cultural history. Of particular note are the works of Albrecht Dürer, Veit Stoß and Rembrandt, the earliest surviving terrestrial globe and even the first pocket watch in the world. Music lovers will be delighted by the selection of historical instruments from all over Europe. Opening Hours: Tue-Sun 10am -6pm, Wed 10am-9pm

Nuremberg has experienced a turbulent history, from being one of the most important locations of the Nazi regime to setting the scene for the famous Nuremberg trials. The city is home to The Documentation Centre Nazi Party Rally Grounds, which offers a permanent exhibition called Fascination and Terror, documenting the numerous terrors, causes and events of the Nazi regime in Germany. The museum is located in the north wing of the Nazi congress hall and spreads out over 1,300 square meters. Many of the displayed objects have a particular connection to Nuremberg and have been organised in chronological order, from the Nuremberg Racial Laws of 1935 to the trials in 1945/46 and the difficulty of coming to terms with the National Socialists’ legacy in the post-war area. Next to the exhibition, this place also features an Education Forum for school classes and young adult classes.

Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat-Sun 10am-6pm

With Nuremberg representing the birthplace of the German railway, it is only fitting that the city hosts one of the country’s first railway museums, which follows the history of the development of the modern train system. From the humble beginnings in England to the German reunification, visitors can follow the technological innovations as well as the political, cultural and social events of the time. The German Railway Museum also uncovers the darker side of railway history, documenting the extensive renovations for military purposes under the Nazi regime and the role the railway played in the Holocaust. Other themes include the gradual implementation of travel comfort and the changing working conditions. With discovery rooms, multimedia presentations, walk-in tunnels and train compartments, this place offers a unique educational experience.

Opening Hours: Tue-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat-Sun 10am-6pm

The City Museum Fembohaus is situated in the city’s only surviving Renaissance merchant house, which was converted into a museum in 1953. Offering an insightful walk through the history of the city, the Fembohaus covers 950 years, from the first mention of Nuremberg in 1050 to the modern day. Visitors can pass through the 28 rooms of the lovingly restored house featuring numerous installations, artifacts, audio plays and even a wooden model of the Old Town. Those wishing to immerse themselves into the history, art and culture of the German city should head to the Fembohaus.

Opening Hours: Tue-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat-Sun 10am-6pm

The Kunsthalle Nürnberg was founded in 1967, serving as a venue for exhibiting national and international masterpieces of contemporary art. The famous gallery works collaboratively with numerous partners around the world, supporting aspiring artists and novel projects, and remains one of the country’s most important centers for contemporary art. The gallery operates under the leadership of the KunstKulturQuartier, which organizes exhibitions and cultural and artistic events all over the city, combining music, dance, theatre and art, as well as literature and cinema. With these projects, Nuremberg has increasingly made a name for itself as a noteworthy destination for art enthusiasts with the Kunsthalle providing a particularly memorable visit.

Opening Hours: Sun-Sat 10am-6pm, Wed 10am-8pm

The Neues Museum is the city’s most important museum for art and design, and its impressive glass structures were developed by the famous architect Volker Staab. Visitors can inspect numerous exhibits, installations and constructions representing innovative designs and pieces of art from the 1960s. Important artists include Richard Lindner and Jirí Kdár, and visitors will learn about Zero, Fluxus and Concept Art. The collection traces the development of design from the post-war era to the present day – it is continuously growing through donations, loans and new acquisitions. The changing exhibitions make the gallery worth a second visit. Additionally, Neues Museum has an extensive events program and an educational department, and it hosts the public library of the Institute of Modern Art. Architecture and design enthusiasts as well as non-experts will enjoy an enriching experience.

Opening Hours: Tue-Sun 10am-6pm, Thu 10am-8pm

The famous Nuremberg trials took place at the Palace of Justice, prosecuting the remaining war criminals of the Second World War. The building complex was selected to host the events because it had remained largely undamaged and provided appropriate facilities. The famous courtroom in which the trials took place is still used today, especially for murder cases. In 2010, the doors were opened to a permanent exhibition. The courtroom itself can only be visited during the weekends. Its setup has changed slightly since the 1940s but it still offers an accurate insight into the historical proceedings. With the help of audio guides, visitors can follow a detailed description of the events of the war as well as the trials and their results. The Nuremberg Trial Courthouse stands as a reminder of the country’s turbulent history but also as a reassessment of responsibility and dealing with a problematic heritage.

Opening Hours: Wed-Mon 10am-6pm

Albrecht Dürer’s House was the home of one of the country’s most important Renaissance artists from 1509 until his death in 1528. The historic Fachwerkhaus was lovingly restored in 1909 and has been dedicated to showcasing Dürer’s life and work. Under the motto ‘Back to Dürer’, the detailed exhibition seeks to give visitors an intriguing insight into all facets of the celebrated artist’s life. In the painting and printing workshop Dürer’s artistic techniques are demonstrated while a multivision show, ‘Albertus Durer Noricus’, provides a good presentation of his works. With the help of an audio guide, you will be able to learn all about one of Germany’s most celebrated masterminds, and the exhibitions of drawings and prints will allow you to inspect his creations up close.

Opening Hours: Tue, Wed & Fri 10am-5pm, Thu 10am-8pm, Sat-Sun 10am-6pm

The Art Bunker is one of city’s most unique settings and penetrates almost 24 meters deep into the castle hill. After the beginning of the Second World War, the historic bunker was renovated to protect the city’s most priced artworks from the frequent air raids, such as the Annunciation by Veit Stoß from St Lawrence’s Church, the Imperial Insignia and the Clockwork Men from Our Lady’s on the main market square. An intricate system includes functions to drain, heat and ventilate the tunnels in order to provide appropriate conditions for the paintings. The Art Bunker’s original setup remains mostly intact. The Art Bunker can only be explored in the company of one of the guides.

Opening Hours: Sun-Thu 2.30pm-5.30pm, Fri -Sat 2.30pm-5.30pm