The Museum der Arbeit (museum of labor) is a Hamburg museum dedicated to the industrial, technological and social history of the city. It is located in the Bambek neighborhood, in the former industrial site of the New York Hamburger Gummi-Waaren Compagnie. Opened in 1958, the museum addresses the changes in the working world over the past 180 years. It is possible to trace the development of the industrialization of the city and its consequent changes on society and nature, all through objects, documents, tools and industrial machinery. Aspects of craftsmanship, industrial, commercial and social professions are exhibited. Distinctive features of the museum are its workshops: for example, the printing workshop occupies a significant part of the museum. In addition to the historical presses, machines and rotations exhibited to document the technical evolution in the graphic arts sector, there are also some machines in operation that visitors can use firsthand, to discover how they work. Other popular workshops are those about coffee roasting and textile production. Furthermore, through audiovisual equipment, the museum offers the opportunity to listen to life stories of workers, employees of various professions and to see the work tools necessary for their profession. Examples of workers include the blacksmith, carpenter, university professor, subway driver, courier, hairdresser, electrician, worker engineer, vocational school teacher, pastry chef, housewife, fabric merchant, pharmacist, gardener, and tailor.
