Deutsches Technikmuseum

By the time of the Second World War, Berlin had hosted almost 100 exhibitions on technology and progress. The German Museum of Technology in Kreuzberg continues this tradition. With a floor area of 28,500 square metres, the museum is one of the largest technical museums in Europe. Here, on the site of the old Anhalter freight station at Gleisdreieck, exciting interactive experiences await you. Exhibits from a wide variety of fields, such as transport and communications technology, are sure to set visitors’ hearts racing: not least, they can experience the fascination of ships, fighter planes and steam locomotives.

From ‘raisin bombers’ to ‘old ladies’ and ‘drop cars’

The German Museum of Technology opened its doors in 1983 as the ‘Museum of Transport and Technology’. In 2003, the museum was given a modern makeover with a futuristic new building. Towering above the entrance is a Douglas C-47B Skytrain, a ‘raisin bomber’ from the 1948–49 airlift. The grounds of the German Museum of Technology also feature the loading bay of the partially preserved goods station.

With its daily demonstrations and guided tours, workshops and hands-on activities , the German Museum of Technology is a place for shared experiences.
Alongside the major exhibitions on railways, aviation and shipping, there are also a number of other exhibitions to discover: for example, paper technology, communications technology, jewellery-making, printing and textiles. In the TechLab, visitors can create their own items using state-of-the-art 3D printers.

The Ladestraße houses the permanent exhibitions on road transport and the world of technical networking – as well as changing special exhibitions.

You’ll also find the Science Centre Spectrum here, featuring 150 fascinating experiments involving electricity, magnets and bizarre light effects.

In the two historic engine sheds next to the main building , you can see steam locomotives and everything to do with rail travel, such as uniforms and railway tableware. At the German Museum of Technology, you can admire no fewer than 40 historic rail vehicles. Take a peek inside the opulent saloon carriage of the last German Emperor.

Of course, there are also meticulously detailed models to admire, such as that of the old Anhalter railway station. A classic among the aircraft on display, meanwhile, is the good old ‘Tante Ju’. The Dessau-based aircraft manufacturer Junkers produced the famous three-engine propeller-driven Ju 52 from 1932 to 1952.

Delve into the history of shipping

The museum is dedicated to the history of shipping over the last 10,000 years, with around 1,500 exhibits. Discover many highly detailed model ships, as well as a 33-metre-long cargo ship from 1840 – the ‘Kaffenkahn’ is the largest model in the museum. Back then, majestic vessels of this type dominated the rivers between the Elbe and the Vistula. The museum’s ship simulator is also a thrilling experience: feel like a captain for a change and steer your ship safely into harbour.

Car enthusiasts will find it impossible to tear themselves away from the permanent ‘Road Transport’ exhibition on Ladestraße: the collection ranges from horse-drawn carriages and steam-powered cars to a car with a rotary piston engine. In the aviation exhibition, on the other hand, there is an original example of the Rumpler Tropfenwagen, built between 1921 and 1925. Only two examples of this quirky, streamlined vehicle are known to exist anywhere in the world. Do also take a stroll through the museum park, which features a brewery, several mills and a lovely café by the museum pond.

Five main attractions at the German Museum of Technology

• Douglas C-47B Skytrain ‘raisin bomber’ above the museum entrance
• Emperor Wilhelm II’s saloon carriage
• ‘Tante Ju’ commercial aeroplane
• Extremely rare Rumpler Tropfenwagen
• Highly detailed ship models and a ship simulator for budding captains

Take a look behind the scenes with our podcast ‘Berlin Unboxed’

Find out more about our ‘Berlin Unboxed’ podcast

Places of interest in the surrounding area

• It’s only about a 20-minute walk from the German Museum of Technology to the Gropius Bau. The façade alone is impressive, with its terracotta mosaics and reliefs. Today, the Gropius Bau hosts exhibitions on contemporary art and photography, as well as other areas of art and cultural history.
• On the Hallesches Ufer, opposite the German Museum of Technology, the private gallery The Feuerle Collection is housed in a former bunker. Here, in imposing concrete rooms, the collector Désiré Feuerle presents imperial furniture from China alongside works by contemporary artists from all over the world.
• Be sure to visit the Jewish Museum and its children’s museum, ANOHA

Practical tips

You can reach the German Museum of Technology very easily, for example, by taking underground lines U1 and U2 to the accessible station ‘Gleisdreieck’. From there, it’s just a few minutes’ walk to the museum.
With the Berlin WelcomeCard from visitBerlin, you’ll receive a discount on the standard admission price. Your children will also get an extra discount if you hold a WelcomeCard.

With the‘ ’ Berlin Museum Pass , you can visit Berlin’s most important museums for three consecutive days with free admission. The German Museum of Technology organises guided tours for families every Sunday at 2 pm. The museum also pays special attention to its younger visitors. For example, during tours such as ‘Technology for Children’, it explains to them why an aeroplane flies. 

There are also special museum tours for people with visual impairments .

Free Day & Soli Ticket

• The German Museum of Technology has introduced ‘Free Day ’: on the first Friday of every month from 1 pm, admission to the exhibitions is free. The museum’s aim is to make access easier for everyone – regardless of their financial situation.
• In addition, a ‘Soli’ ticket is available when purchasing tickets on site: visitors can voluntarily purchase an extra ticket, which is donated anonymously, easily and without proof of eligibility at the museum ticket office.

Tickets

Opening hours