Deutsches Technikmuseum

Before the Second World War, Berlin has nearly 100 exhibitions about technological development. The Deutsches Technikmuseum in Kreuzberg follows this tradition. With an area of 26,500 square metres, it is one of the biggest technological museums in Europe. Here, on the site of the old Anhalter freight yard at Gleisdreieck, you can expect exciting interactive exhibits across various fields, including transport and communication technology. Here you can explore the exciting history of ships, fighter planes and steam locomotives.

Between "Raisin Bombers", "old aunts" and Tropfenwagen cars

The Deutsch Technikmuseum opens its doors in 1983 as a "Museum for Transport and Technology". In 2003 the Museum receives a futuristic new building and modern makeover. A Douglas C-47B Skytrain "Raisin Bomber" dating from 1948-9 perches above the entrance. There is also a loading area for the former Anhalter freight depot, located on the grounds of the Deutsches Technikmuseum. This is where you'll find the "Museum of the Future", the new main building. This area allows for further exploration into the burning issues surrounding man and machine, and the rapid advancement of technology. Additionally, visit the Science Centre with its array of fascinating experiments involving electricity, magnets and bizarre light effects. In the engine shed, you'll find steam locomotives and everything relating to rail travel - for example, classic rail uniforms. Take in no fewer than 40 historical rail vehicles, including the opulent salon car of the last German Emperor.

Naturally, there are also detailed models to admire, including that of the old Anhalter railway station. Among the exhibited aircrafts is the good old "Tante Ju" (Aunt Ju), the famous propeller plane produced between 1932 and 1952. The maritime history department of the museum features 1,500 exhibits from the last 10,000 years. Marvel at a 33-metre long cargo ship from 1840. At that time, this majestic craft ran between the Elbe and Vistula rivers. Another popular feature is the Museum's Ship Simulator, where you can captain your ship safely into port. Car lovers will enjoy a collection ranging from horse-drawn carriages to the steam car and rotary engine. There is also an original Rumpler Tropfenwagen, built between 1921 and 1925. There are only two known specimens of this quirky, streamlined vehicle left in the world. Take a stroll through the museum park, with its brewery and numerous mills.

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Five main attractions in the Deutsches Technikmuseum

• "Raisin Bomber" Douglas C-47B Skytrain over the Museum entrance
• saloon car belonging to Kaiser Wilhelm II
• transport aircraft including the 'Tante Ju' model
• extremely rare Rumpler Tropfenwagen
• Ship Simulator for budding captains

Sights in the surrounding area

Close to the Deutsches Technikmuseum you'll find Import Projects containing artists' installations converning the networking of our modern world. Expect artistic renderings of everyday objects and musical performances. Only a 20-minute walk away from the Deutsches Technikmuseum is the Martin-Gropius-Bau. The facade, with its terracotta reliefs, is impressive in itself. Exhibitions here are diverse, covering cultural history, archaeology and technology. Opposite the Deutsches Technikmuseum, located in a former bunker on Hallesches Ufer, you'll find the Feuerle Collection. Here, in massive concrete rooms, collecter Désiré Feuerle presents her imperial furniture from China and works by contemporary artists from all over the world. Founded about 100 years ago, the Bauhaus is one of the most important schools for art and architecture in the 20th century. Here, world-famous painters and architects such as Paul Klee and Mies van der Rohe have pioneered a new, raw brand of design. Head to the Berlin Bauhaus Archive to see work by this renowned group of artists. The archive is located on the Lützowufer, just under 2 km from the Deutsches Technikmuseum. It houses art, architectural models and sketches by Bauhaus masters.

Practical tips from visitBerlin

Reach the Deutsches Technikmuseum easily via U-Bahn lines U1 and U2, alighting at Gleisdreieck station. From here, you are just a few minutes walk from the museum. With the Berlin WelcomeCard you receive a discount on the normal price of admission. Children in possession of a WelcomeCard get a further discount. With the Berlin Museum Pass you can visit the most important Berlin museums three days in a row, free of charge. The Deutsches Technikmuseum organises tours for families every Sunday at 14:00. The museum pays special attention to its younger visitors. For example, the 'Technology for Children' tours explain why an aircraft flies. There are also special tours for the blind.

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