Deutsches Museum, Munich

Deutsches Museum, Munich (must see)

The Deutsches Museum stands as the world's largest museum dedicated to the realms of science and technology, boasting an extensive collection of over 28,000 exhibits across 50 diverse scientific and technological disciplines. Situated on Museumsinsel (Museum Island), an island in the Isar River, this institution's history traces back to a time when the island was primarily utilized for the transportation of timber during the medieval period.

In 1775, a military barracks was erected on the island. However, a significant turning point came in the early 20th century when the Association of German Engineers, spearheaded by the electrical engineer Oskar von Miller, championed the establishment of a museum focused on the world of science and technology. In 1903, the city authorities decided to allocate the island for this purpose. The subsequent years bore witness to both the museum's growth and its trials, as it suffered severe damage and the loss of numerous exhibits during the bombardment of the city in World War II. However, meticulous restoration efforts were undertaken post-war to revive the museum.

The Deutsches Museum offers a comprehensive array of exhibits, spanning from pivotal German technological innovations like the Gutenberg printing press to advancements in aviation. Noteworthy artifacts on display include the Gutenberg printing press, the pioneering Siemens Dynamo engine, the historic bench associated with the first atom split, and a 1886 model of the Mercedes Benz automobile. For young visitors, interactive displays showcasing electricity are among the highlights, producing actual lightning. To enhance the visitor experience, the museum employs English-speaking guides who guide guests through the exhibits, providing detailed explanations and insights.

Why You Should Visit:
If you have any interest in science, nature, technology or why Germans are so good at engineering, this is the place to be.
Many many different things to see – some are getting dated, but there is still some plenty for everyone.
The mining section in the basement is worth the admission price alone.
The building itself is beautiful, the surroundings great to walk...
Rooftop view is another bonus looking over Munich's major architectures.

Tip:
Don't wait in the long queue for tickets, buy them online and walk straight in.
If time is limited, plan well in advance your visit and the areas you are interested in – in the spot you may just be overwhelmed.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Munich. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Deutsches Museum on Map

Sight Name: Deutsches Museum
Sight Location: Munich, Germany (See walking tours in Munich)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery

Walking Tours in Munich, Germany

Create Your Own Walk in Munich

Create Your Own Walk in Munich

Creating your own self-guided walk in Munich is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Third Reich Munich Walking Tour

Third Reich Munich Walking Tour

In the first quarter of the 20th century, the capital of Bavaria, Munich, was ill-fated to become the birthplace of the National Socialist German Workers' Party (aka NSDAP or Nazi Party) and the site of its early activities. The city played a significant role in the rise and consolidation of power of the Nazi Party and, ultimately, the establishment of the Third Reich.

The Third Reich went...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Old Town Walking Tour

Old Town Walking Tour

The Old Town of Munich, sprawling on the west bank of the River Isar, is a treasure trove of architectural splendor and cultural heritage. Also known in German as Altstadt, this medieval area forms the historic core and cultural heart of the Bavarian capital. The entire Old Town is listed as a historical monument and is a living museum – “where the past harmonizes with the present in a grand...  view more

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Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Munich Introduction Walking Tour

Munich Introduction Walking Tour

Straddling the banks of the River Isar north of the Bavarian Alps, Bavaria’s capital Munich is home to centuries-old buildings and numerous attractions.

The city was first mentioned in 1158. Its name is usually interpreted as the Old/Middle High German term Munichen, which means "by the monks", deriving from the monks of the Benedictine order, who ran a monastery at the place that...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Old Town Souvenir Shops

Old Town Souvenir Shops

"Collect moments, not things," wise men say. In reference to travel, this may be interpreted as the prevalence of experiences and memories over material gains. Still, when it comes to travel mementos, albeit material they are, memories and experiences are primarily what these little (or not so little) tokens are all about.

And it would be a pity to leave Munich without bringing home...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles

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