Rathausausstellung 2026 - Tafel 09: Anknüpfen und anbiedern | Town-hall Exhibition 2026 - Panel 09: Establishing relations and currying favour

Case in Point: The Museum of Hamburg History The exhibitions at Hamburg’s museums were always centred on the history of northern Germany and the port city of Hamburg. As such, they were easily able to comply with the emphasis on ‘homeland’ in Nazi ideology. The two main innovations at the Museum of Hamburg History during the Nazi era – the inauguration of a section on shipping and the showcasing of old Hamburg farmhouse parlours – were already planned when the museum was founded. All museums co-operated closely with Nazi organisations such as the SA and SS. They allowed them to use their premises for events. Museum experts were also involved in the looting of valuables stolen from Jews who fled the country or were deported.