A combined ethnology, trade and natural-history museum opened in 1896 near the main train station, presenting cultures and landscapes of Asia, Africa, Oceania and the Americas alongside Bremen's overseas trading history.
Opened in 1896 directly opposite Bremen's main train station, the Ubersee-Museum combines ethnology, natural history and trade history under one roof, reflecting the city's long history as a Hanseatic and later transatlantic trading port. Its permanent galleries recreate scenes and display collections from Asia, Africa, Oceania and the Americas, including a reconstructed South Seas ceremonial house, an Asian trading-post streetscape, and natural history dioramas of tropical and polar environments, alongside exhibits tracing Bremen's own overseas commerce in coffee, tobacco and cotton that built much of the city's historic wealth. The museum's approach favors immersive walk-through settings over glass cases, letting visitors move through recreated environments rather than viewing artifacts purely as isolated objects. A full visit runs 1.5 to 2 hours across its several floors; the museum extends its hours to open daily during Bremen's summer school holidays, when weekday mornings still offer the smallest crowds before school groups arrive. Its central location beside the Hauptbahnhof makes it an easy stop on arrival or departure from Bremen. Special temporary exhibitions rotate through a dedicated gallery and may carry a combined ticket with the permanent collection.
| Admission | Adult €7.50 (approx $8.10); seniors €6.50 (approx $7) · Child €3 reduced ages 6-17 (approx $3.25); free under 6 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Closed Mon; Tue-Fri 9AM-5PM, Sat-Sun 10AM-5PM (10AM-5PM daily during Bremen summer school holidays) |
| Typical visit | 1.5-2 hours |
| Best time | Weekday mornings for the smallest crowds |
| Getting there | Directly opposite Bremen Hauptbahnhof, central Bremen |
| Address | Bahnhofsplatz 13, 28195 Bremen, Germany |
Weather through the year in Bremen
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Bremen.
Location
Bahnhofsplatz 13, 28195 Bremen, Germany
53.0834, 8.8117 View on map
Highlights
- Reconstructed South Seas ceremonial house and Asian trading-post streetscape
- Natural history dioramas spanning tropical to polar environments
- Exhibits on Bremen's own history of overseas trade in coffee, tobacco and cotton
- Immersive walk-through gallery design rather than case-by-case display
- Central location directly opposite Bremen Hauptbahnhof
Tips for visiting
- Visit weekday mornings for the smallest crowds, even during the extended summer holiday hours
- Check whether a temporary exhibition requires a separate or combined ticket
- The museum's central station-front location makes it convenient to combine with an arrival or departure day
- Family and children's activity guides are often available at the front desk
- Allow extra time for the natural history dioramas, which are among the museum's most detailed displays
When to visit
Weekday mornings offer the fewest visitors, even during the extended daily hours of the local summer school holidays.
Accessibility
The museum has elevators connecting its floors and is wheelchair accessible throughout the permanent galleries.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
A full visit across the ethnology, trade and natural history galleries takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Is it worth it for kids?
Yes, the immersive recreated environments and natural history dioramas are engaging for children as well as adults.
Is photography allowed?
Photography without flash is generally permitted in the permanent galleries.