Harrys Hamburger Hafenbasar (Harry's Hamburger Harbor Bazaar), Hamburg

Harry's Hamburger Harbor Bazaar (Harry's Hamburger Hafenbasar) isn't merely a museum; it's a dynamic assortment of intriguing items that have captivated visitors since it opened in 1952. Located in Hamburg’s Saint Pauli district, the Harbor Bazaar offers an array of exotic and diverse items from around the world.

The origin of this unique museum shop dates back to 1894 when Käpt'n Haase and his maritime companions began collecting distinctive treasures from their travels. These early collections formed the basis of what would later become a notable museum under the management of Harry Rosenberg, an ex-sailor with a strong interest in collecting.

The Harbor Bazaar initially sold stamps, banknotes, and coins, and later expanded to include maritime antiques and folk art. This growth was fueled by Rosenberg's travels and the artifacts he either collected or bought from other seamen. After passing through the hands of his daughter Karin Rosenberg, the shop was taken over by Dr. Gereon Boos in 2011, and it remains a family-operated business, now home to over 360,000 items.

The collection at Harry’s Hamburger Harbor Bazaar mainly features items from Africa, America, Asia, Australia, and Oceania, with a variety that includes African masks, tribal art, carvings, voodoo figures, preserved animals, stuffed exotic birds, and even shrunken heads. These pieces are not only on display but are also available for purchase, offering visitors the opportunity to own a part of this varied history.

The museum's atmosphere is enhanced by its cramped, twisting passageways filled with captivating collectibles from across the globe, serving as a portal to mysterious and legendary worlds. The Harbor Bazaar is more than just a museum; it's a window into the lives and adventures of sailors and collectors, making it a top destination for anyone in Hamburg, from enthusiasts of the unusual to curious visitors seeking something different.