The Polizeimuseum Hamburg has been open since 2014 on the secure grounds of the Polizeiakademie at Carl-Cohn-Straße. That last detail matters practically: the museum sits inside an active police training academy, and anyone aged 16 or over needs to show ID at the security checkpoint to get onto the campus. Not a passport necessarily, just proof of identity
Inside, the museum covers 200 years of Hamburg police history across several themed sections. A recreation of a 1960s police station. Real and replica vehicles including historic police motorcycles and patrol cars. The forensic technology section where visitors can try fingerprinting and other crime scene techniques. A section covering Hamburg’s most notorious criminal cases, which is as grim as it sounds and exactly as interesting to a ten-year-old. There’s also a helicopter simulator (“Über den Dächern der Stadt”) where you can experience a police helicopter flight over Hamburg, which is the kind of thing that goes down very well with children who have been patient through the historical sections.
What’s There for Kids Specifically
The museum has put real effort into children’s programming. The Kinderrallye is a scavenger hunt through the museum with tasks and clues. The Bilderbuch-Suchspiel is a search game aimed at younger visitors. The Ermittlerspiel is a detective game where kids work through a case. These aren’t just activity sheets left on a table. They’re structured programmes that give children a job to do rather than just something to look at.
Birthday parties are available. The museum runs themed police birthday packages with handcuffs, police caps, and a crime-solving activity. Contact the museum directly if that’s of interest.
Prices and Practical Info
Under 18s get in free. Adults pay €8. Students, apprentices over 18, pensioners, and people with disabilities pay €6. Hamburg Card holders get a discount and Hamburg City Pass holders get free entry.
The museum is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday 11:00-17:00. Closed Monday, Friday, and Saturday. Also closed on Easter, Ascension Day, Whitsun, German Reunification Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day. Check the website before visiting on any public holiday.
Tickets are sold at the door. No need to book for individual visits. Guided group tours for up to 15 people can be booked in advance by email or phone.
U1 to Alsterdorf is the easiest public transport option. Limited street parking nearby.
Why Parents Love It:
- Under 18s free, adults €8
- Structured children’s programmes that give kids something to do throughout
- Quiet, manageable size, not overwhelming
- Birthday party packages available
Why Kids Love It:
- Fingerprinting and forensics stations to try
- A police helicopter simulator
- Detective rally and scavenger hunt through the museum
- A recreation of a 1960s police station with real equipment
