Berlin’s Traditional Schnapps Brand Mampe Opens Museum in Kreuzberg Factory
Berlin, April 9 – The venerable Berlin schnapps manufacturer Mampe is set to open a museum within its Kreuzberg factory. This new exhibition area will display objects spanning almost two centuries of the brand’s history, with the grand opening scheduled for early July. Florian Löhlein, the managing director, announced that admission will be free, with visiting hours from 10:00 to 18:00 on weekdays and 12:00 to 18:00 on Saturdays.
A Journey Through Time: Mampe’s Rich History on Display
The museum promises an immersive experience into the world of Mampe, a brand that has been an integral part of Berlin’s cultural landscape. “We demonstrate the ancient recipes live on site,” Löhlein stated, inviting visitors to sample and purchase products directly at the factory. This hands-on approach aims to bring the brand’s heritage to life, allowing guests to connect with the tradition of schnapps making.
Among the 330 objects to be exhibited are original furniture pieces from historical Mampe taverns, known as Mampe-Stuben, as well as ashtrays, glasses, and wall paintings from various pubs and bars. The collection also includes old photographs and a replica of Carl Mampe’s approval certificate, offering a comprehensive look at the brand’s evolution.
The Curator’s Passion: Bringing History to Life
The exhibition is curated by Karin Erb, an educator whose fascination with Mampe began 25 years ago. Her journey started with conversations with contemporary witnesses and the meticulous collection of Mampe objects, which she initially displayed privately. “It started in my apartment in 2007,” Erb recounted, highlighting how the growing demand eventually led her to exhibit the collection in a gallery. After a hiatus, the collection now finds its permanent home in the Mampe factory. Erb expressed her excitement about “bringing such old history back to life.”
From Medicine to Iconic Brand: The Mampe Story
The Mampe story began in the 1830s when Berlin’s medical councilor Carl Mampe developed a stomach bitter intended to combat cholera. This medicinal concoction later evolved into a popular liqueur, giving rise to a spirits brand that eventually boasted over 70 products. The white elephant, a recognizable symbol of the brand, remains its logo to this day.
Mampe liqueurs and schnapps were traditionally served in dedicated establishments across Germany, the Mampe-Stuben. The first of these taverns opened on Friedrichstraße. Here, the herbal liqueur “Halb und Halb,” made from herbs and bitter oranges, was sold for 25 Pfennig. An adjacent tavern catered specifically to workers, offering the same liqueur for a mere 15 Pfennig, reflecting the brand’s broad appeal across social strata.
A Resurgence and a Call for More Artifacts
After nearly fading into obscurity, the company experienced a resurgence in 2012. Today, Mampe spirits are produced in the Kreuzberg factory, with a current product range of 15 items, according to Löhlein.
Löhlein and Erb are actively seeking additional historical objects and memorabilia for the exhibition. “Help make Berlin’s liquid heritage visible,” they appeal to the public. A particularly sought-after item is a large porcelain Mampe poodle, which was a common fixture in pubs in earlier times, symbolizing the brand’s playful yet traditional spirit.
The opening of the Mampe Museum marks a significant event for Berlin, celebrating a brand deeply intertwined with the city’s history and offering a unique cultural experience for residents and tourists alike.
Source: https://www.zeit.de/news/2026-04/09/berliner-traditionsmarke-mampe-eroeffnet-museum
