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Engines convert power from petrol, gas, wind and the sun into kinetic energy. Discover the various propulsion systems that form the heart of our machines – and which keep our modern world running.

In the Energy – Motors exhibition, the entire range of engines is presented and shown in motion across seven rectangular thematic islands. Alongside numerous interactive elements, visitors can discover and experience wind turbines, gas turbines, combustion engines, water turbines and hot-air engines, as well as wave and tidal turbines. Rudolf Diesel’s first diesel engine from 1897 is an absolute must-see! The thematic islands are framed by two long walls, and on the far side, pioneering innovations from all areas of energy technology are arranged chronologically. In front of this is a comfortable 45-metre-long bench that invites visitors to sit and view treasures from the museum’s collection in the enormous engine showcase.

Programme in this exhibition

When will this event take place?

Discover which activities are taking place by checking our daily programme, which is published at around 9.20 each day. Our programme changes daily and includes guided tours, demonstrations, science shows and hands-on activities for individual visitors and small groups of up to five people. All programme events are held in German. They begin either directly where the activity is set to take place or at a guided-tour meeting point in the relevant exhibition.

Facts and Figures

  • Location: Level 0
  • Exhibition space: approx. 810 m2
  • Objects: approx. 130
  • Demonstrations and exhibits that can be demonstrated: approx. 22

Special objects in the collection

Balancier - Dampfmaschine

From: Freund, Georg Christian

Date: 1815

Watt 'sche Dampfmaschine, Modell

From: Boulton & Watt

Date: 1790 - 1792

Dampf-Wasserhaltungsmaschine

From: Richards, William; Richards, William

Date: 1813

Hochdruck-Dampfmaschine von E. Alban

From: Eisengießerei und Maschinenbauanstalt Güstrow; Alban, Ernst; Eisengießerei und Maschinenbauanstalt Güstrow

Date: 1840

Bock - Dampfmaschine

From: -

Date: 1862

Tisch-Dampfmaschine

From: -

Date: 1807

Schnelllaufende Dampfmaschine + Westinghouse Engine

From: Garett Smith & Co Maschinenfabrik

Date: 1889

Erste deutsche Dampf-Lokomobile

From: Maschinenfabrik R. Wolf

Date: 1862

Dreifach - Expansions - Schiffsdampfmaschine

From: F. Schichau GmbH

Date: 1883

Gleichdruck-Dampfturbine von de Laval

From: Laval, Carl Gustav P. de

Date: 1888

Dampfmaschine in liegender Bauweise

From: Kuhn, Gotthilf

Date: 1863

Zwillings-Verbunddampfmaschine

From: Maschinenbaugesellschaft Karlsruhe

Date: 1899 - 1900

Kolben-Dampfmaschine mit Achsenregelung

From: Dinglersche Maschinenfabrik

Date: 1896

You have specialist questions for our curator?

Do you have organizational questions?

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Modell "Restaurant Los Manantiales". Im Hintegrund das Schalungsmodell.

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Modell einer Belastungsprüfung von Rumpf und Tragwerk.

Modern Aviation

Amidst some 500 fascinating exhibits, including 10 planes and 6 helicopters, discover how and why aircraft can fly so safely – and how technology has evolved since the 1950s.

Vogelperspektive auf das Foucault’sche Pendel.

Foucault’s Pendulum

A lead ball swings back and forth at the end of a long rope, knocking over cone after cone on the floor below. Here – at the foot of the Museum Tower – you can see and hear the rotation of the Earth!

Prototyp eines Fendt Traktors mit Tastmodell

Agriculture and Food

Plants, animals and machines: across several thematic areas with numerous interactive elements, you will learn about the origins of our “daily bread” – and discover its impact and adverse effects on our health and the environment.