The Deutsches Museum in Munich is a very popular destination for locals and tourists alike. As it simply became too small over time, it was expanded into two additional parts: the Automobile Museum and the Flugwerft (Aviation Museum). Anyone wanting to see all three should plan for almost three days, as they are not located next to each other but are scattered across three different districts. The Automobile Museum can be found near the Theresienwiese, and the Flugwerft is housed in Oberschleißheim. The Deutsches Museum itself is located in the east of Munich.
The Deutsches Museum
You can easily spend a whole day just at the Deutsches Museum. There are many exhibits here whose functions you can test yourself, which is especially exciting for children. For smaller children, there is a dedicated 'Kids Kingdom' with age-appropriate research stations, and for older ones, there is even a real laboratory where experiments can be conducted. But there is plenty more to see; various items, such as a submarine, can even be walked through. At certain times, demonstrations take place in the physics section, and those who wish can even assist. Most exhibits have buttons on their display cases that you can press. Either the history of the exhibit is told, or an action is triggered. Well-read guests will be very pleased with the library next to the museum. While you cannot borrow books here, it is certainly a great place to pass the time.
The Automobile Museum
The Automobile Museum contains all kinds of vehicles from the past and modern times. In the children's area, there is a driving simulator that both young and old can enjoy, and in the cinema area, the history of the automobile is told. Although the museum is relatively small, it is just right for little car fans.
The Flugwerft (Aviation Museum)
Anyone wanting to visit the Flugwerft should choose a sunny day. The museum is located directly at the sports airfield, offering the opportunity to watch the light aircraft from the beer garden of the sports club. In the museum itself, you can find everything from the beginnings of flight to modern times. In a separate section, you can watch the restoration of an aircraft, though unfortunately only during the week. Those with plenty of courage and a little money can also book a sightseeing flight over Munich. Options include a Zeppelin and an old machine affectionately called 'Tante Ju' (Aunt Ju). While the museum is also quite small, it houses all the models that were in the Deutsches Museum just a few years ago.
Conclusion
If you don't have that much time, don't be disappointed; you can still find a few cars and planes in the Deutsches Museum, but a large portion of the pieces had to move due to a lack of space. So, if you have the opportunity to go to Munich, you should definitely see the Deutsches Museum!
Admission prices as of 2011:
- Adults 8.50 Euros
- Children aged 6-15 and students 3 Euros
- Pensioners, Hartz IV recipients, and other concessions 7 Euros
Opening hours as of 2011:
Daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed on public holidays
Contact:
Deutsches Museum
Museumsinsel 1
80538 Munich
Phone: +49 (0) 89 2179 1
Website: www.deutsches-museum.de
