Unusual and intriguing: Berlin's unique museums that captivate the imagination
Berlin, a city rich in history and culture, is home to an eclectic array of museums that cater to a wide range of interests. From the world's largest institution of its kind to immersive exhibitions reviving childhood memories, there's something for everyone in this vibrant city.
The Gipsoformerei, located at Sophie Charlotten Str. 17, 18, Charlottenburg, is a treasure trove of over 7,000 original works in plaster from across eras and cultures. This institution, the world's largest of its kind, offers a unique opportunity to delve into the artistic heritage of various civilisations.
For those with a fascination for the supernatural, the Magicum - Berlin Magic Museum, situated at Große Hamburger Str. 17, Mitte, is a labyrinthine museum with around 450 exhibits showcasing all things related to magic, magic tricks, witchcraft, and the supernatural.
The Berlin Museum of Medical History, located at Charitépl. 1, Mitte, offers a chilling yet educational experience. The museum features a permanent exhibition detailing the history of medicine over the last four centuries, with over 750 human specimens on display.
The Anti-War Museum, with locations at Bruesseler Str. 21, Wedding, and Schützenstr. 70, Mitte, is a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of war. Founded in 1925 by Ernst Friedrich, the museum showcases photos, documents, and objects from the two World Wars and current topics in the peace movement.
The Lipstick Museum, located at Helmstedter Str. 16, Wilmersdorf, is a delightful haven for makeup enthusiasts. Hosted by makeup artist Rene Koch, the museum showcases a vast and eccentric collection of lipsticks, makeup cases, and other related items.
The Hemp Museum Berlin, with locations at Mühlendamm 5, Mitte, and Ben-Gurion-Str., Mitte, is one of only six museums worldwide dedicated to the multipurpose plant. The museums offer a substantial array of hemp-based products, historical exhibits, and Berlin's only legal cannabis plantation.
Music lovers will find solace at the Musical Instrument Museum, located at Ben-Gurion-Str., Mitte. The museum houses around 3500 instruments of European music spanning the 16th to 21st centuries and offers guided tours, concerts, and family-friendly workshops.
The Berliner U-Bahn Museum, located at Rossitter Weg 1, Charlottenburg, is a museum dedicated to the history of Berlin's subway system. The museum features demonstrations, historical uniforms, and badges, offering a fascinating insight into the city's transportation history.
The Design Panopticon, located at Poststr. 7, Mitte, hosts a collection of unusual items, including industrial machinery, medical equipment, and bizarre everyday objects.
The Hatch Kingdom Sticker Museum, located at Schreinerstr.10, Friedrichshain, houses a collection of around 30,000 stickers, with around 4500 on display, divided into four subject areas: skateboarding, streetwear, music, and street art.
The Computer Games Museum, located at Karl-Marx-Allee 93A, Friedrichshain, spans 60 years of gaming history, with interactive exhibits tracing the ever-changing landscape of the medium.
The Letter Museum, located at Stadtbahnbogen 424, Tiergarten, preserves and documents 3-dimensional letters and signage as part of urban history.
The Disgusting Food Museum in Berlin, located at Schützenstr. 70, Mitte, features exhibits from around the world and across history, showcasing foods considered disgusting by some.
Berlin is also home to immersive exhibitions like IKONO, which revives childhood memories with arcade games and themed rooms, and the Deutschlandmuseum, an immersive history museum showcasing 2000 years of German history interactively.
Lastly, the Museum of Unheard Things, located at Crellestr. 5-6, Schoeneberg, is a new museum established by Roland Albrecht, featuring a collection of real and fictitious curiosities.
For a glimpse into the day-to-day lives of those living in old East Berlin in 1987, visit the Museum apartment WBS 70, located at Hellersdorfer Str. 179, Marzahn. The time capsule set in an old Plattenbau apartment building offers a unique insight into the past.
The Gipsoformerei also offers the opportunity to purchase moulds from its inventory. Each of these unique museums offers a distinct perspective on various aspects of history, culture, and society, making Berlin a must-visit destination for any culture enthusiast.
