Communication Information Media
Electronics – Smaller, smarter, better
The faster and smaller, the better! Dive into the foundations and development of devices like the transistor, capacitor and diode – and learn how they impact our lives.
Smaller and smarter
Over the past 100 years, electronic components have shrunk to microscopic sizes. More powerful than ever, they are in constant use almost everywhere. In this exhibition, you can follow a circuit through seven thematic areas and discover how the “science of controlling electric current” has become an indispensable part of our lives. Iconic electronic objects such as the original Apple-1, the first LED and the first electromechanical sensor are presented. We also cover the basics of electronics, electronics through the ages and the extent to which these devices have become firmly established in society. In the Production area, you can discover how individual components are made. And last but not least, the huge Scrap Tornado swirls symbolically through our throwaway society in the Raw Materials and Recycling area.
Highlights of the new exhibition
A computer on every desk: the Apple I
In 1976, Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak built a simple computer designed by Wozniak - the Apple I - in Jobs' father's garage. Their vision was to bring an affordable computer into every household. These “home computers” were an important step in the digitalization of work and everyday life.
The downsides of technology consumption: the scrap tornado
More gigahertz, more megapixels, 4K resolution - electronic products are evolving incredibly quickly. New smartphones and computers come onto the market every year and the pressure to always have the latest model is great. The impressive scrap tornado shows how much electronic waste is generated and what our consumption means for the environment.
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 2
- Exhibition space: 564 m2
- Exhibits and models: approx. 300
- Demonstrations and interactives: 11
- Media stations: 6
- Dioramas: 3
View Inside the Electronics Exhibition
The new electronics exhibition
Ion implanter, scrap metal tornado, amateur radio station and a large interactive circuit table: in this film, curator Luise Allendorf-Hoefer gives an insight into the future electronics exhibition. The revolutionary “Sycamore” quantum processor from Google will also be on display here.
You have specialist questions for our curator?
Dipl.-Ing. Luise Allendorf-Hoefer
Curator
Deutsches Museum
80306 MunichTelephone +49 89 2179 269
Fax +49 892179 99350
Email l.allendorf-hoefer@deutsches-museum.de
Do you have organizational questions?
Cornelia Schubert
Assistance to department heads, main department heads and curators
Susanne Schmölz
Assistance to department heads, main department heads and curators