Deutsches Zollmuseum, Customs museum in HafenCity, Hamburg, Germany
The Deutsches Zollmuseum is a museum in a former customs building in Hamburg that displays more than 1000 objects related to customs history. The exhibition spans several hundred square meters and documents how people and goods were regulated at borders.
The original customs house was destroyed during World War II and the current museum opened in 1992 in the building of a former customs office. The building itself served as an active customs post until 1985 before it was converted to its present purpose.
The museum shows how customs shaped trade routes and the people who moved goods across borders. The displays tell the story of the rules that governed commerce and those who enforced them.
The museum is located near public transportation and is accessible most days of the week. It is helpful to check ahead on what exhibitions are currently on display, as this can affect how long you might spend visiting.
A customs boat called the Oldenburg is moored at the customs canal outside the museum and shows how border control operated on water. The boat is a rare example of the maritime side of customs work that often goes unnoticed by visitors.
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