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Panoptikum Wax Museum in Hamburg

Highlights

Discover historical and contemporary wax figures featuring global and local celebrities. Enjoy a captivating collection that spans over a century of wax artistry. Explore the chilling Chamber of Horrors with re-created scenes of infamous events. Appreciate the evolution of wax craftsmanship from the 1960s to today. Access audio guides and interactive activities available in English and German.

Welcome to the Panoptikum

Selfie with Taylor Swift, Udo Lindenberg or Albert Einstein? At the Panoptikum on St. Pauli, Germany’s oldest wax museum, you can meet more than 120 lifelike figures from history, politics, music, film and sport – right on Hamburg’s famous Reeperbahn. Book your tickets and come face to face with the stars.

About Panoptikum Hamburg

Founded in 1879 by Friedrich Hermann Faerber, the Panoptikum is Germany's oldest wax museum – and it's still run by the Faerber family, now in its fifth generation. On more than 700 m², over 120 figures await, from Queen Elizabeth II and Albert Einstein to Ed Sheeran, Helene Fischer and local legends like Olivia Jones. Each figure can take up to two years and around €40,000 to make. A spooky corner and a medical-anatomical cabinet complete the collection.

Key facts
Address: Spielbudenplatz 3, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
Visitors: around 200,000 a year (2018)
Founded: 1879 by Friedrich Hermann Faerber

Why Visit Panoptikum Hamburg?

Historic Wax Figures Collection

Germany's oldest wax museum has been welcoming visitors on St. Pauli since 1879. Over 120 lifelike figures – each taking up to two years to create – bring history, politics, music and sport to life.

Unique Celebrity Exhibits

Meet international stars like Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran and Angelina Jolie, historic figures like Henry VIII and Friedrich Schiller, and Hamburg icons like Udo Lindenberg and Olivia Jones – and take as many selfies as you like.

Interactive and Family-Friendly Features

Free puzzle rallies keep younger visitors busy: the "Pauli P. Tour" for children aged 6 to 12 and the "PanoptikumNews" for teens and young adults – both available at the ticket desk.

Free Audio Guide

A free audio guide in German and English tells you the stories behind the figures and gives you a look at the craft of making them.

Prime Location in Hamburg’s Reeperbahn

Right on Spielbudenplatz, just off the Reeperbahn, the Panoptikum is easy to combine with an evening on the Kiez, a musical or a stroll down to the Landungsbrücken.

Timings

The Panoptikum is open every day of the week, with a late opening on Saturdays.

Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday and public holidays: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Closed on 24 December. Hours can change seasonally, so check the date picker when booking your tickets.

Address

Address
Directions

Spielbudenplatz 3, 20359 Hamburg, Germany

The Panoptikum is on Spielbudenplatz in St. Pauli, right by the Reeperbahn.

Things to Know Before Visiting the Panoptikum Hamburg

Open Monday to Friday and Sunday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Saturday until 10:00 PM. Closed on 24 December.

Show your ticket at the ticket desk on arrival – you can enter any time during opening hours on your booked date.

A visit usually takes 45 to 60 minutes.

Visitors of all ages are welcome – though the spooky corner may be a bit much for very young children.

Selfies are explicitly encouraged – bring a charged phone!

Grab the free audio guide in German or English for the stories behind the figures.

Evenings and weekends on the Reeperbahn are busy – weekday mornings are usually the quietest time to visit.

Saturday's late opening until 10 PM is perfect for combining the Panoptikum with a night out on St. Pauli.

Free puzzle rallies for kids and teens are available at the ticket desk.

Panoptikum Hamburg – Facilities and Additional Information

Panoptikum Hamburg – Facilities and Additional Information
Souvenir Stores
Special Events

Explore more than 700 m² of exhibition space at your own pace with the free audio guide in German and English. Families can pick up free puzzle rallies at the ticket desk, and the Panoptikum can also be hired as a venue for receptions, readings, conferences and film shoots. For food and drink, the Reeperbahn and Spielbudenplatz have plenty of options just outside the door.

Accessibility Facilities at Panoptikum Hamburg

Large parts of the Panoptikum are barrier-free, although some areas can only be reached by stairs.

Because of the stairs, wheelchair users get free entry.

If you need assistance during your visit, the team at the ticket desk will be happy to help.

Interesting Facts About the Panoptikum Wax Museum

Historic landmark: Germany's oldest wax museum, founded in 1879.

Collection size: More than 120 figures on over 700 m².

Artistry & cost: Each figure can take up to two years and around €40,000 to make.

Family business: Still run by the Faerber family, now in its fifth generation.

New additions: Recent figures include Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran and Princess Catherine.

Selfies welcome: Taking photos with the figures is explicitly encouraged.

Family features: Free puzzle rallies for children and teens.

Spooky extras: A horror corner and a medical-anatomical cabinet round off the collection.

Anniversary figure: Barbara Schöneberger joined the collection for the 140th anniversary in 2019.

Panoptikum – Highlights in Pictures

FAQs

What is Panoptikum Hamburg?

Germany's oldest wax museum, founded in 1879, with more than 120 lifelike figures from history, politics, music, film and sport.

Where is Panoptikum located?

At Spielbudenplatz 3, 20359 Hamburg, in St. Pauli right by the Reeperbahn.

When was Panoptikum founded?

In 1879, by Friedrich Hermann Faerber. The Faerber family still runs it today, in its fifth generation.

How many wax figures are exhibited?

More than 120 figures on over 700 m².

Can I take photographs inside the museum?

Yes – selfies with the figures are explicitly encouraged.

Do I need to book tickets in advance?

It's not required, but booking here in advance secures your visit. You can enter any time during opening hours on your booked date.

What are the opening hours at Panoptikum?

Monday to Friday and Sunday 10:00–20:00, Saturday 10:00–22:00. Public holidays 10:00–20:00. Closed on 24 December.

Is the museum suitable for children?

Yes. Free puzzle rallies are available for children aged 6 to 12 and for teens – though the spooky corner may be a bit much for very young children.

How long does it take to see the entire museum?

Most visitors spend 45 to 60 minutes.

What is special about the wax figures?

Each figure is handmade and can take up to two years and around €40,000 to complete.

Is Panoptikum accessible by public transport?

Yes. Take the U3 to St. Pauli, a few minutes' walk away. Reeperbahn S-Bahn station is also within walking distance.

Is there an audio guide?

Yes – a free audio guide in German and English tells you the stories behind the figures.

Is there parking available near Panoptikum?

Parking around the Reeperbahn is limited and busy, especially in the evenings and at weekends, so we recommend public transport.

Can visitors interact with the exhibits?

The figures shouldn't be touched, but you can get as close as you like for photos and join the puzzle rallies.

Is the Panoptikum accessible for wheelchair users?

Large parts are barrier-free, but some areas can only be reached by stairs. Wheelchair users get free entry.

Are there any recent additions to the wax figures?

Yes – recent arrivals include Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran and Princess Catherine.

Is Panoptikum part of Hamburg’s cultural scene?

Absolutely – it has been part of St. Pauli for more than 140 years.