Berlin Magic Museum

In the cellar vaults of the Hamburger Hof, you can dive deep into the fantastical world of magic. African voodoo and shamanic rituals, the work of the witches in the Middle Ages and modern illusions all reveal the power of magical thinking. 450 exhibits from every continent are housed in the Berlin Magic Museum - also called Magicum – and are devoted to magical practices from all over the world. See a lucky bowl from China, ritual masks from Africa, and instruments of torture from Europe.

A cellar labyrinth of occult objects

The Hamburger Hof is founded in the suburb of Spandau as early as 1820. During that time, the house is home to craft workshops, including bronze foundries and carpentry workshops. Its present appearance is down to architecture firm, Tchoban Voss. In the basement - a fitting setting – you will find the Berlin Magic Museum. The old vaulted cellar is like a maze. Confusing as the world of magic, the rooms spread out around you. The exhibits are from different cultures. Learn more about medieval alchemy, which is the early connection between magic and science, and the superstitions of European religions. You will also encounter the mysticism of primitive peoples, as it is brought to life. On your tour, you will discover the ghostly figures of shamans, skulls and cult objects from African cultures, and a magical samurai sword from Japan hanging on the brick walls. All practices and objects are classified historically and culturally. The exhibition is also highly interactive: games and puzzles are there to test your own magical abilities. You are also able to gaze into a crystal ball or draw a tarot card.

Highlights of the exhibition:

• medieval witch scales and torture instruments from the Netherlands
• the imaginary study room of alchemist Nicolas Flamel
• vials of medicine belonging to witch doctors
• Asian "power animals" such as lucky elephants and water buffalo skulls
• magical salon for shows and readings

The extraordinary in Berlin Mitte

Visit the Monsterkabinett to see spooky, mythological characters made from papier mâché and other materials. This exhibition is also located in an old Berlin cellar. A smorgasbord of exciting surreal industrial objects can be marvelled at in the DesignPanoptikum on Torstraße. The museum features bizarre-looking dental chairs and many other unusual medical apparatuses. The Berlin Dungeon, meanwhile, focuses on spectacular effects and thrills: actors deliver a dark version of Berlin's history, including torture and murder stories.

Our recommendations for your visit

Take S-Bahn lines S5, S7 or S75 to Hackescher Markt. From here you can walk to the Magic Museum. Alternatively, take the M1 or M5 trams to Monbijouplatz. The Berlin Magic Museum is also open on Mondays. Children up to the age of six years enter for free. There is a discounted entry price for school children, students and seniors. The family ticket is the best option for two adults, with a maximum of three children. School groups can book a guided tour through the exhibition at a special rate. To make a reservation, please contact the Berlin Magic Museum by e-mail or telephone.

 

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