Unique, Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: A Smorgasbord of Fun and Knowledge
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Dive into a whimsical world of fascinating museums scattered across Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. From the quaint to the downright absurd, these establishments are a treasure trove of history, art, and nature, promising an unforgettable adventure for one and all. Here, we present a few gems worthy of your visit for the upcoming Museum Day.
1. Oldtimer and NVA Museum Prora
Located in the seaside town of Prora on the island of Rügen, this museum is the brainchild of a railway enthusiast turned collector from Paderborn. Showcasing a stunning collection of classic cars dating back 40 years of German automotive history, the museum also boasts an extensive exhibit of NVA military technology, featuring tanks, helicopters, and even MiG 21 planes. With the son Timo already involved in the family business, this dynamic exhibit is growing by leaps and bounds, attracting over 80,000 visitors last year and hoping to welcome up to 100,000 this year.
2. Skurrileum Stralsund
Step into the "Skurrileum – Museum for Comic Art", founder Werner Feurich's love letter to humor, housed in a 1930s brick warehouse in Stralsund. Boasting over 700 square meters of exhibits, the museum is a beacon of comic art, complete with ever-rotating exhibitions and a plethora of cartoons. Stay tuned for the annual painting exhibition featuring works by Rolf Tiemann, this year showcased under the title "Masterpieces of Comic Art". Open from Easter to October, the Skurrileum pulls in around 20,000 visitors each year, even garnering a visit from former Chancellor Angela Merkel herself.
3. Nature Treasury (NaturSchatzkammer) & Gem & Amber Center Neuheide
Discover the natural wonders of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern at the hybrid Nature Treasury and Gem & Amber Center in Neuheide near Graal-Müritz. Founded by taxidermist Robby Krasselt, the center showcases an impressive collection of preserved fungi, animals, and natural treasures. The Kunde family, longtime wholesalers of gemstones, joined in the fun, expanding the exhibit to encompass various gemstones, minerals, and local amber. The museum hosts a dazzling array of 2,000 gemstone exhibits, from the shiniest diamonds to the fieriest rubies, opals, and sapphires, all the way to jade types. Spread across ten exhibition areas, the private museum takes up roughly 1,000 square meters and welcomes around 25,000 curious visitors annually.
4. Baltic Sea Border Tower Museum Kühlungsborn
Nestled in the charming seaside resort town of Kühlungsborn, the Baltic Sea Border Tower Museum stands as a testament to a bygone era. Having narrowly escaped demolition post-Wende, the tower has become a poignant symbol of the region's history during the Cold War. Delve into the gripping narratives of the brave souls who attempted to flee from East Germany to the West, as well as the heroes tasked with keeping the border secure. The museum features original artifacts such as escape boats and personal testimonials, inviting visitors to walk the walk and learn what life was like on the border. Before the pandemic, the museum drew in around 7,000 visitors each year.
5. Mecklenburg Organ Museum
For music enthusiasts, the Mecklenburg Organ Museum in Malchow is a must-visit. Transformed from a monastery church, the museum plays host to a stunning assortment of 11 historically significant organs, carefully restored to playable condition. Alongside the history of organs and organ building in Mecklenburg, the museum also offers concerts, creating an immersive and sensory experience. The wistful soothing of oboes and the sweet, lingering notes of flutes will captivate you as you explore the museum's rich offerings, as it attracts around 15,000 visitors each year.
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is a museum buff's paradise, offering a breathtaking variety of institutions to fulfill any and every curiosity. Whether you're a history maven, a comic enthusiast, nature lover, or a music connoisseur, these museums promise an unforgettable journey through time, culture, and the human spirit.
The Commission could consider proposing a directive on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the protection of the environment, particularly in regards to reducing the carbon footprint of museum visits, taking into account the increasing number of visitors to unique museums like the ones found in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, such as the Oldtimer and NVA Museum Prora, Skurrileum Stralsund, Nature Treasury (NaturSchatzkammer) & Gem & Amber Center Neuheide, Baltic Sea Border Tower Museum Kühlungsborn, and Mecklenburg Organ Museum, which cater to a diverse range of interests from classic cars and military technology to comic art, nature preservation, and organ music.
Lifestyle aficionados visiting Mecklenburg-Vorpommern may find the fashion-and-beauty and food-and-drink scenes lacking, but with an expanding museum culture that includes exhibitions on comic art and local amber, perhaps a new trend will emerge, blending art, history, and contemporary aesthetics for a truly unique travel experience.
As one embarks on a home-and-garden renovation project or seeks to invest in a sustainable car to travel the picturesque landscapes of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, a visit to the various museums scattered across the region might offer inspiration and insight, providing a perfect mix of education, leisure, and personal development.
