The Ramones Museum

Inside the Ramones Museum

Address : Krausnickstraße 23, 10115, Mitte

U-Bahn: Hackescher Markt

Opening times: Mon –Thus, 9am - 6pm, Fri 9am - 8pm

                            Sat 10am - 8pm, Sun 12am - 6pm 
Admission: 3,50€, 5€ with drink 
Website: ramonesmuseum.com

This intimate museum and bar, tucked away on a quiet street off Oranienburger Straβe, is a Mecca for Ramones fans. You may be wondering why the one and only museum dedicated to the legendary New York punk rockers is located in Berlin. The band actually had a great connection with the city. Bassist, Dee Dee Ramone, was brought up here. It was here where he first picked up the bass, had his first experience with drugs and changed his name from the rather less catchy Douglas Colvin Glen. The city inspired songs like ‘Born to Die in Berlin’ and ‘Today Your Love, Tomorrow the World’.

The museum developed out of one man’s passion (or some would say obsession). Flo Hayler has been a huge Ramones fan for many years and was good friends with the band’s manager. His collection, which started with just a t-shirt and ticket stub from his first gig, has grown to include over 500 pieces of memorabilia. You can see vintage posters, a pair of stage-worn denim jeans signed by Joey Ramone, and a list of bizarre back stage demands including specific details about which ketchup the band required. The collection documents their rise and fall, from their famous first gigs at the New York punk bar CBGB’s to their drug fuelled fights. It also illustrates how well the band branded themselves, making the Ramones image world famous. There is a documentary playing in a booth at the back and a big screen showing old, live footage of the band as you walk around.

You don’t have to be a diehard fan with a Ramones tattoo and vintage leather jacket to enjoy this museum. The small cafe at the front of the building provides a great place for music enthusiasts to cradle a beer on a lazy afternoon. The walls of the cafe are littered with band memorabilia. The graffiti plastered wall acts as a guestbook and displays photos of well-known visitors such as Greenday and Biffy Clyro. You can also purchase a souvenir here such as t-shirts, mugs, finger puppets or even that Joey Ramone action figure you always wanted. Entry to the museum costs 3.50€, or 5€ with a drink. You are also given a Ramones badge to show that you are a lifelong member to the museum and a true Ramones fan.