Planet Harburg is a new branch of the Archaeological Museum Hamburg and Harburg City Museum, opened on February 19, 2025. Located in a former department store, it offers an innovative approach to making culture accessible to all social groups. The exhibitions focus on the history and development of the city of Harburg, which was independent until 1937.
One of the highlights is a city view of Harburg from 1654, drawn by Caspar Merian, displayed in an impressive 6×2 meter lightbox. Historical aerial photographs provide insights into the cityás development from around 1900 to the 1980s, illustrating its transformation from an industrial city to a modern metropolis. Another section of the exhibition is dedicated to sites of Jewish life in Harburg, starting with a protection letter for Jews in 1610 and covering the tragic events of the Nazi era.
The historical main street of Harburg, the Lüneburger Straße, is also explored, showcasing the cityás transformation during the 1960s and 1970s. A significant part of the exhibition is devoted to Harburg painter Carl Ihrke, whose works document the tension between tradition and modernity in the city. His extraordinary 360-degree city panorama from 1963 is being shown to the public for the first time.
The museum also documents the history of the former department store it now occupies, with photographs illustrating its development from the 1930s to its closure in 2023. Another highlight is the exhibition about the Winzer family, whose life around 1900 is vividly depicted through newly digitized photographic glass plates.
Starting in April 2025, the museum will feature a cinema program operated by the Hamburg Cinematheque. It will showcase film classics and rare films, complementing the museumás cultural offerings.
