Jump directly to the page contents

Getting to the bottom of things – physics provides the basis for understanding almost all the processes in our daily lives and is the foundation for technical progress.

Exhibition closed

The second half of the museum is currently being renovated, which is why this area has been closed since July 2022. The modernisation of the exhibition is scheduled to be completed in 2028, the 125th anniversary of the museum's founding.

What is Physics?

Physics is characterised by the complex interplay of experiments and theoretical considerations with the aim of establishing laws of (inanimate) nature. One goal is to understand natural processes and to describe them in a mathematical form. The ideas developed as a result have both shaped and changed our world view far beyond the field of physics. Furthermore, the study of physical phenomena has always been focussed on finding ways to use these phenomena in practical applications. Therefore, physics is closely linked in many ways to the technology that shapes our world.

This exhibition provides an overview of the individual branches of physics – from classical mechanics to magnetism. However, this overview is very different to what you would find in a physics textbook. Rather than abstract formulae, laws of nature and theories, the exhibition focuses on the instruments and apparatus that are used to generate and share scientific knowledge. In addition, interactive activity stations and push-button experiments invite you to discover the basic principles of physics for yourself.

-196°Cis the temperature of the liquid nitrogen used during the demonstration in the Physics exhibition.

1687is the year Isaac Newton presented the three basic laws of motion in his “Principia Mathematica”.

16 horseswere not able to pull apart Otto von Guericke’s famous vacuum-pumped Magdeburg hemispheres.

Physics – Exhibition Themes

Reconstruction of a room with early mechanical tools.

Mechanics

People have been using mechanical tools from the early stages of human history.

Mechanics

Oscillations and Waves

Oscillations and waves form a special category of mechanical motion.

Oscillations and Waves

Thermodynamics

For a long time, there were very different ideas of what heat actually is.

Thermodynamics

Electrostatics and Magnetism

Research into electricity and magnetism has a very long history.

Electrostatics and Magnetism

Highlights

Nitrogen demonstration in the Physics exhibition

Activities around Physics

For School Groups

Activities and materials for teachers and school groups

Programme

Bookable Group Activities

Activities for families and groups

For Groups

Discover Science Live!

“Liquid Nitrogen” demonstration and “Physics in Everyday Life” guided tour.

Daily Programme

Supplementary Material and Publications about Physics

Download

Video

Brief ”Highlights” Tour

Curator Daniela Schneevoigt and museum employee Anna-Lena Kämper present highlights from the Physics exhibition: Galileo’s workroom, nitrogen experiments and much more. The film is currently only available in German. (Running time: approx. 30 minutes)

Experiments with Liquid Nitrogen

In the “Heat” area of the Physics exhibition, we demonstrate experiments with liquid nitrogen. This video features highlights of the demonstration (running time: approx. 8 minutes). The film is currently only available in German.

Facts

  • Exhibition area: around 1,100 sqm
  • around 100 exhibits, about 200 interactive activity stations, 2 reconstrcutions/ models

Objects from Heinrich Hertz

Oszillator, viereckig, von H. Hertz

From: Hertz, Heinrich

Date: 1886 - 1888

Kreisförmiger Resonator mit Messingspirale von H. Hertz

From: Hertz, Heinrich

Date: 1886 - 1888

Oscillator, Heinrich Hertz

From: Hertz, Heinrich

Date: 1886 - 1888

Drahtgitter für Polarisation von H. Hertz

From: Hertz, Heinrich

Date: 1886 - 1888

Hohlspiegel von H. Hertz (Sender)

From: Hertz, Heinrich

Date: 1886 - 1888

Hohlspiegel von H. Hertz (Empfänger)

From: Hertz, Heinrich

Date: 1886- 1888

Planspiegel (Zinkblech) auf Holgestell von H. Hertz

From: Hertz, Heinrich

Date: 1886 - 1888

Any Questions?

Team Physics

Do you have organizational questions?

You may also be interested in these Exhibitions

Fledermaus musical automaton

Musical Instruments II

A veritable treasure trove for music lovers! From early music automata to the legendary Siemens studio, here you can explore a unique collection. Many of the exhibits can be seen in action during live demonstrations.

Fraunhofer refractor (telescope) in the Academy Collection.

Academy Collection

Here you can marvel at the Deutsches Museum’s founding collection from 1903. Exhibits include the famous Fraunhofer telescope, which was used to discover the planet Neptune.

Energietechnik - Windrad.

Energy Technology

How can energy be harnessed in a manner useful for mankind – and what are the environmental consequences? Discover the alternatives, from fusion reactors to wind turbines and solar panels.

Platform weighing machine.

Measures and Weights

Until the 19th century, a variety of different measures of length and girth were common in German states and cities. This all changed with the birth of modern industrial society and worldwide economic relations. Learn all about the fascinating history of units!