German Museum of Technology

On the grounds of a former railroad depot, the German Museum of Technology spreads out like a living timeline of invention. Across galleries and open halls, it traces how people moved, built, and calculated—long before microchips and long after steam. The collection moves from the power of water and wind to early computing ideas, then onward to engines, rails, wings, and screens.

From mills to machines

Historic water and wind mills introduce the story of mechanical power, showing how simple forces once drove everyday work. Nearby, early computers appear as hefty cabinets and clever circuits. Konrad Zuse’s pioneering constructions stand out, marking the moment when calculation jumped from paper to programmable machines.

On wheels, waves, and rails

The museum’s transport galleries roll through time with bicycles, motorcycles, and cars, each model capturing shifts in design and speed. On the water side, boats and maritime tools explain navigation and shipbuilding, from river craft to ocean travel. The railroad collection carries the legacy of the site: locomotives, carriages, and track systems laid out with clear stories about engineering, logistics, and the drama of long-distance journeys.

Flight above the façade

Outside, a striking sight hovers over the building: the “Candy Bomber,” a C-17 aircraft mounted as if frozen in descent. It recalls the historic airlift that once brought hope and supplies to a divided city, turning a machine of war into a symbol of relief. Inside, the aeronautical halls explore aviation from fragile early planes to modern aircraft, with engines, cockpits, and sleek profiles that make the aeronautical section hard to match.

Hands-on science at Spectrum

The Spectrum science center, part of the museum, invites visitors to test ideas with their own hands. Interactive experiments demonstrate light, sound, motion, and electricity in simple, direct ways. Levers, lenses, waves, and currents become visible and understandable through playful setups that spark curiosity across ages.