German Technical Museum

The Berlin Museum of Technology, also known as the Deutsches Technikmuseum, is one of the main European museum institutions dedicated to the history of technology and science. Located in the Kreuzberg district, the museum occupies a vast area that was once part of the Anhalter Bahnhof station, with buildings and exhibition spaces covering 26,000 square meters. Founded in 1982, the museum offers a comprehensive overview of technological evolution, from early mechanical tools to modern digital innovations. The visit begins with an impressive Foucault pendulum, a practical demonstration of the Earth’s rotation, which welcomes visitors and sets the tone for the interactive and educational nature of the exhibitions. One of the main attractions of the museum is the section dedicated to historic locomotives, which includes an impressive collection of steam, diesel, and electric trains. These vehicles are displayed in a way that illustrates not only the technical evolution, but also their social and economic impact over the centuries. One of the most fascinating sections is dedicated to aeronautics and astronautics. Here, visitors can explore the history of human flight, from early attempts with balloons to modern space missions. A highlight of this section is the Rosinenbomber, the plane that during the Berlin blockade in 1948-49 dropped candy to the city’s children, a symbol of hope and solidarity. The collection also includes warplanes, such as those used during World War II, and pieces of space technology that show the advancement of human exploration beyond Earth’s boundaries. The museum is not limited to transportation. Extensive sections are dedicated to communication technology, with an exhibit on how Berlin became a hub for telecommunications and information technology. Among the displayed pieces, the reconstruction of the Z1 stands out, one of the first mechanical computers, created by Konrad Zuse in 1938. This section offers an immersive experience in media history, with ancient film projectors and radios that tell the evolution of information transmission and reception devices. Another area of great interest is dedicated to industrial and artisanal production. The museum houses a historic brewery, water and windmills, and a blacksmith shop, providing a concrete idea of how consumer goods were produced before the modern industrial era. Visitors can observe machinery for paper production, printing presses, and scientific instruments, many of which are still functional and used for practical demonstrations. The Spectrum science center is an integral part of the museum, particularly appreciated by younger visitors. With over 250 interactive experiments, the center allows for exploring the fundamental principles of physics, such as acoustics, optics, electricity, and thermodynamics, in a playful and engaging way. These experiments not only make science accessible and fun, but also encourage a practical understanding of scientific theories. The museum also dedicates a significant space to weaving and jewelry technology. Visitors can see ancient looms and embroidery machines in action, as well as workshops where artisans demonstrate traditional techniques for working with precious metals. This section of the museum not only celebrates artisanal techniques, but also highlights the importance of technology in improving and innovating production processes. For those interested in the history of navigation, the museum offers a vast collection of ship models and maritime artifacts, tracing the evolution of vessels from early sailboats to modern warships. This sector also includes detailed reproductions of naval interiors and navigation instruments, illustrating the challenges faced by sailors over the centuries.