Museum
German Emigration Center
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The German Emigration Center in Bremerhaven is a deeply immersive museum that tells the story of the 7 million people who emigrated from Germany to the Americas between 1830 and 1974. Housed in a modern building on the historic harbor where many departures occurred, the museum combines personal narratives, artifacts, and interactive exhibits. Visitors begin by selecting a virtual emigrant whose journey they follow through the galleries, experiencing the anticipation, hardship, and hope of leaving home. The center features recreated ship interiors, a steerage cabin, and a research center where you can trace your own family history. Its emotional storytelling and hands-on approach make it a poignant and educational experience for all ages.
Don't miss
- Interactive 'emigrant passport' that personalizes your visit
- Full-scale replica of a 19th-century emigrant ship cabin
- Research center with databases for genealogy research
- Temporary exhibitions on migration themes
- Panoramic view of the harbor from the museum's rooftop
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit German Emigration Center
You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.
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