As well as being an important trade hub in the medieval era, the city was a seat of power as well as a centre of culture and knowledge.
With a history that spans centuries, any visitor to the city, Malaysians included, are bound to be curious about its story.
If that is indeed the case, you are in luck as the city has numerous magnificent museums that tell the tale of not only the city but also humanity in general.
FMT Lifestyle paid a visit to three of these long-standing institutions and here are just some of the interesting sights within.
1. Landesmuseum
Established in 1856, this state museum houses exhibits on the natural world, human history and the arts and sciences.
On the ground floor, is the museum’s vivarium, where fish and reptiles from all over the world are on display.
If you grew up watching the “Jurassic Park” films, you will likely find yourself at home when gawking at the many fossils collected by the museum.
For those more interested in human history, the first floor tells the story of how humans came to be through its extensive collection of artefacts found in archaeological digs from around the region, which was home to many early humans.
These artefacts are a testament to the craftsmanship of the people of the past and one must wonder if they ever thought their wares would last this long!
The last floor is where art exhibitions are rotated, with the current one focussed on gorgeous traditional religious art from German churches.
For people of the faith, it might be a good time and place to reflect on matters of piety, with just how much effort went into these works of art.
2. August Kestner Museum
Despite the building’s modern-looking façade, this museum was actually established in 1889 and remains one of the oldest museums in the city.
The modern exterior is actually a shell containing the original structure which, like many historical buildings in Europe, was bombed during the Second World War.
Rather helpfully for foreign visitors, many of the exhibits here have information panels in English. So, close that Google Translate app for now.
The museum’s founder, the titular August Kestner, was a diplomat and an avid collector of historical artefacts.
Specifically, the man had a passion for Egyptian history. As such, the Ancient Egypt exhibit is the main draw of the museum, featuring rare and exquisite artefacts from millennia ago.
In addition to Ancient Egypt, the museum also stores artefacts from the Classical Antiquity period, specifically from Greece and Italy.
For visitors who enjoy learning about ancient civilisations, this museum will give you valuable insight into how people lived in the past.
3. Sprengel Museum
Aspiring artists as well as practised painters are likely to find inspiration when they pay a visit to this modern art museum.
Founded in 1979, the museum is named after Bernhard Sprengel, a famous chocolatier and art patron who donated much of his collection to the museum.
On display here are many sometimes peculiar creative works that push the boundaries of what art constitutes.
Additionally, there is a section in the museum dedicated to teaching visitors about how artistry fared under Nazi rule.
During the Nazi era, modern art was regarded as “degenerate” and many modern artists faced persecution. Several Jewish artists from the region were also murdered in the Holocaust.
From photographs of butter knives to beautiful murals of natural wildlife, the Sprengel Museum features quite the diverse collection.
A few big names also have their works on display here, including Pablo Picasso as well as Max Ernst. So, keep an eye out for these!