Hanover Museums

(Hanover, Lower Saxony, Germany)

Art and history are the two main themes within Hanover's museums, with the city's various venues and institutions offering a fine job of presenting the special contributions that Hanover has made to Germany's artistic heritage. Delve into the region's anthropological past at the Lower Saxony State Museum, or visit the Niedersächsisches Landesmuseum (State Museum) to view the many ancient tribal artefacts.

For a city of its size, the museums and art galleries in Hanover are exceptional, with the main venues being listed below and have plenty to keep you amused.

Lower Saxony State Museum

Address: Willy Brandt Allee 5, Hanover, Germany, DE
Tel: +49 0511 980 7686
If you have an interest in the ancient past of the region surrounding Hanover, this is the place to learn about it. This well-rounded museum has the city's finest collection of archeological finds, with the highlight being an exhibit of wonderfully preserved prehistoric bodies, which were discovered in the local peat bogs. In addition, the Lower Saxony State Museum also boasts an impressive collection of sculptures and paintings, covering the last 900 years. Its location next to the Maschpark provides a good combination day of education and relaxation.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 10:00 to 17:00; Thursday - 10:00 to 19:00
Admission: charge

Furstenhaus Herrenhausen Museum

Address: Alte Herrenhauserstrasse 14, Hanover, Germany, DE
Tel: +49 0511 750 84
The interesting Furstenhaus Herrenhausen Museum presents a rare look at the residential life of royalty in the 1600s. Once the summer retreat of the Guelf family, who ruled the region in 1665, this mansion-turned-museum is a time warp. The original furnishings and decor are still in place, and the dozens of family portraits lining the walls really make an impression about the family that once lived here.
Open hours: seasonal variations
Admission: charge

Historisches Museum (Historical Museum)

Address: Pferderstrasse 6, Mitte, Hanover, Germany, DE
Tel: +49 0511 1684 305
This small but useful museum makes an excellent counterpart to the Furstenhaus Mansion, as it exhibits many of the items used by the local people during the rule of the Guelf family in the 17th century. Portraits of prominent Hanover citizens, medals, flags and other relics are displayed at the Historisches Museum, alongside a section dedicated to the industries of mining, hunting and forestry, which were the main sources of the town's economy back then.
Open hours: Tuesday - 10:00 to 20:00, Wednesday to Friday - 10:00 to 16:00, Saturday and Sunday - 10:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge

Niedersächsisches Landesmuseum (State Museum)

Address: Willy-Brandt-Alee 5, Hanover, Germany, DE
Tel: +49 0511 980 75
The Hanover State Museum is home to many impressive ethnological artefacts, which relate to ancient tribal groups once living in this part of Germany. This museum is especially appealing to locals, although visitors to the city will also be able to enjoy the displays and take a glimpse into days gone by.
Open hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday to Sunday - 10:00 to 17:00, Thursday - 10:00 to 19:00
Admission: charge, concessions available