FAQ SUBJECT TO CHANGE
What are the opening times of Port des Lumières?
Port des Lumières is open 7 days a week:
Last entry is one hour before closing.
Please note: our opening hours may change at short notice for special events. Current information is always available at the top of our website.
Is there a box office at Port des Lumières?
You can easily book tickets and vouchers online for your desired time slot.
There is also a box office on site with ticket terminals for remaining tickets – please note that payment is card only.
We recommend booking tickets online in advance to avoid waiting times. Especially on weekends and public holidays, tickets often sell out. Tickets can be purchased HERE
By the way, you can also pay completely cashless in our on-site merchandise shop!
Can I also purchase or reserve tickets by telephone?
No, unfortunately not – tickets and vouchers cannot be booked or reserved by phone. Please use our online shop or visit us during opening hours.
Is there a parking lot at Port des Lumières?
Port des Lumières is located right at the entrance to Westfield Überseequartier in HafenCity – you’ll find us at the corner of Osakaallee / Überseeallee / Magdeburger Brücke.
We recommend using public transport:
Tip: On nice days, it’s worth taking a 20-minute walk from Rathausmarkt through the historic Speicherstadt.
Who is eligible for the family rate?
Our family rate applies to 2 adults and 2 children up to 15 years old. We generally recommend the visit for children aged 5 and above. For smaller or larger groups, please select the corresponding individual or child tickets in the ticket shop.
Do I need to make a reservation in advance for children under 5?
Children under 5 years old are not recommended to visit due to the duration, loud music, and light effects of the immersive show. If you still plan to bring your child, a ticket must be reserved for them, as every visitor requires a valid entry ticket.
Is the exhibition suitable for infants and toddlers?
The exhibition is an intense audiovisual experience with changing light and sound effects. We strongly advise against visiting with children under 5 years old. Parents are asked to assess individually whether their children can handle the atmosphere, the length of the shows, and the content presented. Please ensure that children are not left unattended during the visit and be considerate of other guests so that everyone can enjoy the experience without disturbance.
Is there a discount for people over 65 and their companions?
Yes, if you are over 65, you can purchase a ticket at the reduced rate. This rate does not apply to companions, who must book a regular adult ticket.
I want to visit Port des Lumières with a group. How should I make a reservation?
For groups of up to 19 people, you can book tickets directly through our online ticket shop.
For groups of 20 or more, please use the booking form on the group page of our website.
School groups can book here.
If you are coming with more than 40 people, feel free to email us with all the details at gruppen@port-lumieres.com
I am a journalist. Can I benefit from free admission?
Yes, with a valid press ID and prior confirmation from our press department, you can attend for free.
Please let us know which media outlet you represent.
Contact: k.derow@redroses-pr.com
More info is available in our press section.
Can I come with a stroller?
Strollers are not allowed inside the exhibition hall for safety reasons, but they can be folded and stored in our locker area. Please note we strongly suggest the show for children over the age of 5 years.
Can I store my bag during my visit?
Free lockers are available at Port des Lumières. Bags larger than DIN A4 must be stored in a locker for safety reasons. Suitcases are not allowed inside the building, and we have only limited space for luggage storage.
Are animals allowed to enter?
For the well-being of animals, pets are generally not allowed. The loud music, changing light effects, and dark room environment can be very stressful for animals.
Is Port des Lumières suitable for people with reduced mobility?
Yes, our exhibition is fully accessible:
Note: Some light and sound effects may be problematic for people with epilepsy or light sensitivity.
If you have further questions – e.g., about assistance or travel – feel free to ask!
Are there facilities for people with limited mobility?
Accessible toilets are available. Our staff is also on hand if assistance is needed. The second level can be reached by elevator – all other areas are on a single level.
Are there seats available in the exhibition areas?
Yes, there are some seating areas at Port des Lumières that you are welcome to use. However, we recommend experiencing the show while moving – it is particularly impressive when you move freely through the space, explore different perspectives, and discover the striking ship’s bow.
Are the exhibitions suitable for people with epilepsy and/or vertigo?
Our shows feature large-scale light animations, sometimes with rapid image changes, intense brightness, and sound effects. Therefore, visits are not recommended for people with photosensitive epilepsy or strong light sensitivity, as this may cause sensory overload or health issues. People prone to dizziness or balance disorders should consult a doctor beforehand. Participation is at your own risk.
Can I take photos or film in the exhibition?
Yes, photos and videos may be taken without flash or additional lighting, as long as they are for private use. Use of the recordings for commercial purposes is not permitted. For safety reasons, tripods are not allowed. If you share your images on social media, we’d love a tag or mention. Feel free to tag us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and other platforms using @portdeslumieres.
Can I purchase a gift ticket?
Yes, a gift voucher can be purchased online here.
How can I be sure that my tickets have been purchased?
You have successfully purchased your tickets once you have received a payment confirmation email and an email with your tickets. It’s a good idea to check your spam folder as well. Please do not confuse the payment confirmation email with the account creation confirmation email from our website.
Do I need to print my tickets?
No. You can simply show your tickets on your smartphone at the entrance.
Can my tickets be canceled?
Timed tickets cannot be refunded or returned at any time. However, you can reschedule your tickets yourself here.
Can my tickets be rescheduled?
You can change the date and/or start time of your tickets at any time before your visit by clicking here. Tickets can only be rescheduled if another date and time are available. Please note that the exchange is only possible for the booked show and switching to a different show is not permitted.
What if I arrive earlier or later than my reserved time slot?
The tickets are valid for the date and time you selected. If you are running late, you may arrive up to half an hour after your scheduled start time (this does not apply to the last start time of an exhibition).
I’m having difficulty in making a reservation and I’m taken back to the home page. What do I do?
Please try again. Many visitors are attempting to book for the same time slot.
Where can I find the tickets I have bought?
Once your order is confirmed and paid, your tickets will be sent to the email address you provided. Please also check your spam folder. You can also access your tickets by logging into your account and navigating to the "My Orders" section.
I cannot log into my customer account. What do I do?
Make sure there are no spaces before or after your email address when logging in.
Are guided tours of the exhibitions offered?
Due to the multi-sensory nature of our digital exhibition, guided tours are not available.
You are free to move around and enjoy the show with all your senses.
Where can I get information about the artists and artworks?
In addition to the visitor guide and the digital information panels on site, our app provides exciting information and original anecdotes about the works in our digital exhibitions.
The exhibition spans two levels:
On the ground floor, you’ll find the large immersive hall, the Kids Studio for children to get creative, and the Infinity Room for an additional spatial experience. On the upper floor, there is a dedicated exhibition area with further information about the current show, including interactive screens about the artists and their works where you can explore more in-depth content. You’ll also find a viewing platform from the ship’s bow overlooking the harbor, a small exhibition on the history of the port, and the Selfie Room.
Is there a playlist available of the music played during the exhibitions?
Ja, natürlich! Über diesen Link geht's zur Playlist der Ausstellung "Von Vermeer bis Van Gogh - Die niederländischen Meister".
Which show will I be able to see with my ticket?
Your ticket is valid for the show running at the time you booked. Access is only permitted to the exhibition scheduled for your chosen time slot. Within your time window, you can explore all programs included in the booked show. The entire visit usually lasts about 50–60 minutes.
