Time required to see Nuremberg's Germanic National Museum?

I would say zero:) The museum put me to sleep. IMO it's of more interest to Germans, or those really into their German heritage. If you want to give it a go, no more than 2 hours. During my visit, the place was surprisingly empty.

When I lived close to Nuremberg for a while I visited the museum 3 times to actually see everything! So there is a lot there. If you can, maybe try and find a floorplan so you can get a sense of what you're most interested in. Their collections start at the archaeological beginning and just go on from there. I guess based on what others have posted it really just depends on your interests - so while I'd say 2 hours minimum, obviously that's not for everyone.

If you're at all into Medieval or Renaissance art, or ancient Celtic artifacts, you won't find the museum boring. I personally spent about 3 hours there, and did not see everything, but saw I'd say 80% of the collection, towards the end I was rushing through things. I'd look at the layout and figure out what sections interest you the most and focus on those. You can see some of the best stuff in 2 hours, if you're really interested you should allot more time, however.

I would say 3 hours should suffice. I hope you spend the same amount of time at the Documentation Center and grounds.

This all very helpful - thank you! I will take a look at the museum's floorplan. I am also planning on spending about 3 hours at the Documentation Center & Rally Grounds.

Semi-related question for those who have been there. The name of the museum ("Germanisches" as opposed to 'Deutche") would imply that the focus of the museum is on Germanic history more broadly than simply "German". Is this the case, or am I reading too much into it?

How about the New Museum? Anyone been? We'll be in Nurnberg next week.

Tom, although I haven't visited the museum yet, I think your interpretation of the meaning of using "Germanisches" instead of "Deutches" is correct. I've been studying the German language for a few years and I agree that "Germanisches" refers to all things Germanic, and not just items restricted to the modern state of Germany. It sounds like the museum contains items from pre-historic to modern times, so it seems to be a museum whose purpose is to cover the culture and history of the German-speaking part of Europe.

If you're at all into Duerer - and if you're spending a day or two in Nurnberg, do yourself a favor and at least read his Wikipedia entry - the Germanisches museum will have a couple "oh my god" moments. While it does not have a huge Duerer collection (most of the important peices are at museums in bigger cities) it does have a couple of his most important portraits, including a very famous one of his mother and his mentor, both are fantastic and seen as groundbreaking examples of portraying the reality of aging in portraiture. (That sort of stuff was kinda "glossed over" before. And if you do get into Duerer - I just love him - visit his house in Nurnberg, and if you go to Munich, stop at the Alte Pinakotek to see some of his most jaw-dropping paintings including his famous self-portrait. /art nerd The Dokumentation Zentrum is also very worthwhile. While similar exhibits about the Nazis are in many German locations, the museum is well put together and witnessing the scale of Nazi architecture first-hand puts things in a different perspective. But as RS wisely recommends, the scale of the parade grounds is huge. I plan on going back and doing it by bike, it's too much on foot if you don't have a half-day to spare walking around. I've been to Nurnberg 4 times now so if you have any other questions, feel free to ask, I feel pretty familiar with the city now.

Thanks, Sarah! I will definitely read-up on Dürer before I go. Have you been to the Nürnberg Trials courtroom? Is it worthwhile? Any favorite restaurants or beer halls/gardens?

I have not been to the Nurnberg Trials Courtroom, I understand it is by advance appointment only. It is something I'm considering doing on a return trip to see the Weihnactmarkt in December. But I am actively interested in Holocaust history. If you have limited time there and aren't super into it historically, I'd skip it. As far as restaurants go, it's somewhat touristy but it's also the real deal - the Bratwursthausle which supposedly has the best Nurnberger bratwurst in town. I certainly found it to be delicious on the two occasion I've dined there, and most of the patrons are German (although not from Nurnberg). The Barfuesser Beer Keller serves well-made German food in a cool atmopshere/historic building for moderate prices, and they brew their own beer, which is pretty good. If you're sick of German food, El Encanto was one of the best meals I've had in Germany, period. The owners are Peruvian and Chinese, and the food is mostly Peruvian with a bit of Chinese fusion. Absolutely delicious. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water. It's nice enough for a special dinner but the prices won't kill you. I haven't eaten at the Goldenes Posthorn but it's a nice spot to enjoy some Franconian wine on a warm day outside. Also haven't been to the Schaufelewartschaft but it's supposed to have the best pork shoulder on earth. It's on my to-do list.

Great - thank you! I can't wait to try some of them.