Germanisches Nationalmuseum — Attraction in Nuremberg

Visited here on Wednesday and surprisingly discovered that it’s free for Wednesday night. But the musical instruments part will be closed at night, I didn’t check the time so I missed it

This one of those places where you could lose an entire day and still feel like you’ve only skimmed the surface. It’s not just a museum; it’s a labyrinth of European culture, stretching from the Middle Ages to the modern day. Walking past glittering suits of armor, finely crafted weapons, and medieval sculpture, I kept getting pulled deeper into the collections. One moment I was in a Gothic cloister, the next in a Baroque hall surrounded by paintings, then suddenly standing in front of contemporary art.

What struck me most was the sheer variety: a 16th-century tiled stove covered in vivid detail, a carved sleigh with a grotesque face, entire chapels reconstructed stone by stone, and galleries that shift seamlessly from religious devotion to modern abstraction. It felt like wandering through centuries of human creativity under one roof.

For me, it was overwhelming in the best possible way; a reminder that history isn’t just dates and events, but objects people lived with, prayed before, fought in, and admired. If you enjoy art, history, or simply being surprised around every corner, this museum is a must. Just be prepared: you won’t be in and...

The Germanisches Nationalmuseum is a true ode to German history and culture, and well worth exploring. From the grand armoury, filled with cannons, suits of armour, and medieval weaponry through to the intricate carvings and religious artefacts, it’s incredibly easy to lose track of time wandering its halls.

One thing that really stood out to me, being English, was the number of artefacts relating to England’s patron saint. Yes, that famous knight of Turkish origin who supposedly slew a dragon and became the protector of England (despite never setting foot in the country) is also celebrated in medieval German society. Absolutely fascinating.

This museum also might answer the question, what inspired Starbucks to use a two tailed mermaid as a logo... for those who know, well done. For those who don't, check the pictures. You're welcome

So if you ever find yourself passing through Nuremberg with a free afternoon, make a stop. It’s a brilliant way to connect with the deep and layered history of...