The Deutsches Museum in Munich has an extensive collection of aircraft and aviation-related exhibits, showcasing the evolution of flight from its earliest days to modern aerospace technology. The aviation section is a major highlight and spans a wide variety of aircraft, artifacts, and displays.
Deutsches Museum
information@deutsches-museum.de
+49 89 21791
Daily 09:00 – 17:00 The Deutsches Museum closed its aviation department for refurbishment which may last up to 2022.
Closed January 1, Shrove Tuesday, Good Friday, May 1, November 1, and December 24, 25, and 31.
Admission fee
Gift shop
All rapid-transit (S-Bahn) lines to Isartor station; Underground lines U1 and U2 to Fraunhofer Str.; bus no. 131 to Boschbrucke; tram no. 17 to Isartor; tram no. 18 to Deutsches Museum.
Street parking is very restricted.
Aircraft collection
| F-OCAZ
– D-9093 1258 – – E.3B-555 VQ-FAB 56+66 D-HOPA – – 478374 A-96 – – 425/17 – D-CSPN D-CLOU D-6426 D-2054 D-366 363 D-EMDU – – 21+53 D-HAPE D-779 AM210 500071/1+3 2804/<-+- D-MFBB D-IBFW – D-EOMA D-EEWQ – – D-9099 – 55-4458 D-MXOL D-ENEK – | Airbus A300B (fuselage)
Akaflieg Hannover Vampyr Akaflieg Stutgart fs-24 Phonix Arado Ar66D Bachem Ba349 Natter Bleriot XI CASA 1131E Jungmann Dornier Do12 Libelle 2 Dornier Do27B1 Dornier Do32 DOWA 81 Etrich-Rumpler Taube Fieseler Fi 103 (V-1 flyingbomb) Fieseler Fi156C-3 Storch Finsterwalder Bergfex Focke-Achgelis Fa 330A-1 Fokker Dr.1 Triplane Grade II Monoplane Grob G180 SPn Hamburger Flugzeugbau HFB320 HK S-3 Junkers A-50 Junior Junkers F 13 Junkers AAC.1 (Ju52/3m) Klemm L 25 Lillienthal Biplane Glider Lillienthal Glider Lockheed F-104G Starfighter MBB Bolkow Bo-105P Messerschmitt M 17 Messerschmitt Me163B-1A Messerschmitt Me262A-1a Messerschmitt Bf109E-3 Motte B2/B3 ultralight Nord N1002 (Me108 Taifun) Parceval P.L.2 gondola Piper J-3C-65 Cub Quickie Rochelt Muscular 1 Rumpler C.IV Schleicher Ka 6BR Schulgleiter SG 38 Sikorsky UH-19B Chickasaw Solar 1 Stark Turbulent D Wright Standard Type A |
Highlights of the Deutsches Museum:
1. Exhibitions:
The Deutsches Museum houses over 30 permanent exhibitions across diverse topics:
- Aviation and Space Travel: Features early flying machines, modern aircraft, satellites, and space exploration artifacts.
- Energy Technology: Covers everything from historical windmills to modern renewable energy systems.
- Computers and Communication: Traces the history of computing and telecommunication, showcasing early calculators and modern tech.
- Physics: Interactive displays demonstrate principles of mechanics, electricity, magnetism, and optics.
- Medicine: Explores the evolution of medical technology, from early surgical tools to modern diagnostic devices.
2. Notable Artifacts:
- The first motorized airplane by the Wright brothers.
- Otto Lilienthal’s glider.
- The Enigma machine used during World War II.
- A replica of Galileo’s workshop.
3. Interactive and Hands-On Features:
- Many exhibits are interactive, allowing visitors to experiment with scientific concepts.
- Regular live demonstrations bring exhibits to life, such as high-voltage experiments and model ship navigations.
4. Planetarium and Observatory:
- The Zeiss Planetarium offers captivating shows about the universe, stars, and celestial phenomena.
- Visitors can also access the observatory for a closer look at the night sky.
5. Children’s Museum:
- A dedicated area for younger visitors provides hands-on activities and simplified exhibits tailored to their curiosity.
6. Temporary Exhibits and Special Events:
- The Deutsches Museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions on cutting-edge technology and scientific topics.
- Events like workshops, lectures, and science fairs engage the community.
Highlights of the Aircraft Collection:
1. Early Flight:
- Otto Lilienthal’s Glider: A replica of the first manned glider flights by Otto Lilienthal in the late 19th century.
- Wright Brothers’ Flyer: A reproduction of the first powered airplane flown by the Wright brothers in 1903.
2. Historic Aircraft:
- Junkers F 13: The world’s first all-metal commercial aircraft.
- Messerschmitt Bf 109: A famous German fighter aircraft from World War II.
- Fieseler Fi 156 Storch: Known for its remarkable short takeoff and landing capabilities.
- Heinkel He 111: A German bomber from World War II (cutaway model to showcase internal mechanics).
3. Modern and Jet Age Aircraft:
- Lockheed F-104 Starfighter: An iconic supersonic jet from the Cold War era.
- Eurofighter Typhoon: A modern multirole combat aircraft used by European air forces.
- Bölkow Bo 105: A German-designed helicopter showcasing advancements in rotor technology.
4. Space Exploration:
While primarily focused on aircraft, the Deutsches Museum also connects aviation to space with displays of:
- Rocket engines and space probes.
- Models and artifacts from space exploration history, including satellites and the Apollo program.
5. Gliders and Lighter-Than-Air Flight:
- Historical gliders that demonstrate the development of non-powered flight.
- Zeppelin and balloon displays, reflecting the importance of lighter-than-air aviation.
6. Engines and Technology:
- Aircraft engines from various eras are displayed to show the evolution of propulsion, including piston engines, turbojets, and turbofans.
- Interactive displays explain how engines work and their impact on aircraft design.
Interactive and Special Features:
- Cutaway Models: Aircraft and engine cutaways allow visitors to see internal components and understand how they function.
- Flight Simulators: Some exhibits feature simulators or interactive panels to give visitors a sense of piloting or understanding aerodynamics.
- Live Demonstrations: Occasionally, experts provide talks or demonstrations in the aviation section.
Photos Ruud Boots