Samurai Museum Berlin

The immersive experience! Discover this legendary era in a playful way. The interactive exhibition presents one of the world´s largest private collections of authentic samurai artifacts. 

Samurai Museum Berlin: Explore the art of swordsmithing, experience holographic drum demonstrations and solve the riddles of our fox Kitsune. Fascinating armor, elaborate swords and mysterious masks. From the secret techniques of the ninja to the centuries-old tea ceremony, the mysterious Yōkai and the fascinating Nō Theater. Experience first-hand how exciting a museum can be. It´s a fascinating experience for the whole family - we look forward to your visit!

The Peter Janssen Collection: Inspired by his passion for martial arts and Japanese culture, Peter Janssen acquired his first katana over forty years ago and has been collecting samurai artefacts ever since. What began with a find at a flea market in Berlin, has now grown into a collection of more than 4,000 objects that is unique outside Japan in terms of variets and scope.

The pieces date from the late Kofun to the early Meiji period (6th - 19th century) and offer a fascinating insights into the development of Japanese culture and craftsmanship. The collection includes not only weapons and armour, but also textiles, paintings, woodblock prints, tea utensils, and Buddhist sculptures.

Highlights of the collection are an 18th-century palanquin, a 17th-century armour of the Matsudaira clan and tea utensils from the time of Sen no Rikyū (1522–1591).

Driven by the desire to share his passion and fascination for these exceptional examples of traditional Japanese craftsmanship, Peter Janssen opene the Samurai Art Museum in Villa Clay in 2017. Only a few years later, the continuous growth of the collection called for a new location. This was found in Auguststraße at the former location of the me Collectors Room in the centre of Berlin. With contemporary museum presentation and the multimedia staging of exhibits. Peter Janssen opens up the fascinating world of the samurai to visitors of all ages. Children and young people are addresses just as much as laypeople and experts. In the future, the Research Centre of the Samurai Museum Berlin will remain in the former rooms of the Villa Clay.