A unique collection of racing cars can be found in one of Hamburg's most interesting museums, the Prototype. If your family is growing up to be car enthusiasts, this museum should be on your list of must-sees in Hamburg.
Covering an area of 2,500 square metres, it has three floors of cars, most of which were built after the end of the Second World War. The Prototype Museum is housed in a rather colourful location — a former factory building from the last century. It's worth noting that some of the models on display are unique, making them real rarities.
The unique collection consists of 50 exhibits, including modern cars from the world's most famous brands such as Audi and Porsche. However, the majority of the models on display are, of course, cars from the 1940s and 1960s. One of the most interesting parts of Prototype is the workshop, with its glass walls allowing visitors of all ages to see how the cars are assembled.
The highlight of the Hamburg Prototype Museum is, of course, Michael Schumacher's legendary Jordan racing car. It was in this car that the world-famous racing driver took his first Formula 1 victory. The museum also has a special stand where visitors can listen to a recording of the engines of various car brands. And in a separate room, documentaries on the development of German motorsport are shown.
Just 200 meters away is the International Maritime Museum, which we recommend to visit.
Another very interesting attraction, always full of children of all ages, is a special car simulator converted from a real vintage car. It allows young drivers to take part in virtual races. It's worth noting that the driving of this vehicle is imitated as closely as possible: it has a three-speed gearbox, a sharp steering wheel, a low seat and a TV screen instead of a windscreen. The challenge for anyone behind the wheel of the stimulator is to complete several laps of the track. It's not as easy as it looks.
The final level of the Prototype Museum is in the basement. There is a wealth of information about cars, including the history of their origins. You can also see prototypes of other vehicles (bicycles, scooters, motorbikes, boats and even sledges).
Before you leave, be sure to stop by the local souvenir shop, where you can choose and buy any of the miniature vintage cars on display in the museum.
