The Hummel was introduced in 1943 to provide heavy self-propelled artillery for the Panzer divisions. This vehicle was based on a lengthened Panzer IV chassis, and mounted a 150mm field howitzer in an open rear fighting compartment (the engine was repositioned to the front of the vehicle, to the right of the driver). While the sides and front of the fighting compartment were armored, five of the seven crewmen were essentially unprotected from above (and to the rear) at their positions serving the gun.

The vehicle on display was catured by American troops in 1944 or 1945 and transported to the United States. In 1976, it was returned and given to the Panzertruppenschule, where it was restored in the school's workshops.