Why the Deutsches Museum is a must-visit for travelers of all ages – with hands-on exhibits in science, technology, art, and innovation.

On our recent trip to Munich, my teenage son and I spent a full day exploring one of the city’s most fascinating attractions: the Deutsches Museum. It wasn’t just a highlight of our visit – it became one of those rare experiences we’ll talk about for years.

Here I have to add that we do not have (in my country) such an impressive technical museum. We have some science-focused private and more hands-on than the classical museums, but for my son (and for us) a visit to such impressive museums is a memorable one. And we always visit many museums and palaces, and other attractions on our travels. 

Before visiting this museums, we had previously been to BMW Welt and BMW Museum, Legoland, we spent a day in the historical center (here is our complete itinerary for the day, tips included), Sea Life Munich, and in the days after we went, among others, to the Residenz Palace.

The Deutsches Museum – The Most Fascinating Museum in Munich

Housed on a small island in the Isar River, the Deutsches Museum is considered to be the largest museums of science and technology in the world, offering over 25,000 exhibits across a wide range of disciplines. This is only the number of exhibits displayed – as the museum has 125,000 items! (truly impressive)

From historic airplanes to musical instruments, atomic physics to robotics, almost every section invites you to see, touch, test, and explore.

This museum isn’t just for scientists or engineers – it’s for anyone who’s ever been curious about how the world works. And while I visited with my son, this is the kind of place that appeals to travelers of all ages. My husband, a lifelong fan of science and technology, sadly missed out due to illness, but he’s already made us promise to return with him next time.

So what can you see and do at the Deutsches Museum? Let me walk you through our tour. 

It will be a short presentation, and I am including useful tips for visiting the Deutsches Museum at the end! 

Why a short presentation? 

Because I could write a very long article and include 50+ photos (all relevant). But I wanted to make a selection and present you, in short, the section, our wonderful surprises, and, as mentioned, to provide my tips based on my visit. 

Touch, Play, Discover: A Hands-On Museum

Apart from the impressive surface plus number of exhibits, the biggest plus of this museum is the fact that it is interactive.

Almost every exhibit at the Deutsches Museum includes interactive elements – whether it’s turning a crank to understand a motor, testing a chemical reaction, or experimenting with light and sound.

This is perfect not only for kids, but also for adults. Everyone was testing the interactive exhibits!

Highlights That Captivate Every Kind of Visitor

Let’s start with what to see at the Deutsches Museum. 

Robotics

Explore the rise of robotics, from early automation to today’s intelligent machines, through some interesting displays. This exhibition is not very big, but the items here are interesting! And fun – as it is this project of a robot that would play music (imagine a band made only of robots!)

 

Railways

The next room was heaven for me!

I adore model trains!

This room has a large diorama with many different trains. This one surprised me by being all white (I am used to those that mimic nature and have many colours). Here, the only splash of colours is the trains (and a few vehicles and model people)

.So, don’t miss the impressive model train exhibit – beautifully detailed and always surrounded by fascinated children and adults alike.

Foucault’s Pendulum: Proof That the Earth Is Spinning

One of the most mesmerizing exhibits is also one of the simplest: the Foucault’s Pendulum.

It is on a hallway and you can see it multiple times (when exiting different exhibitions). 

The exhibit has clear information that tells you everything you need to know about its purpose and what it proves. 

Suspended in a tall, open space, the pendulum slowly shifts direction as it knocks over pegs — a physical demonstration that Earth is rotating.

We saw it twice during our visit, and each time it was quietly awe-inspiring.

As a note: prepare to spend a few minutes here. There is a special sound when a piece drops. (We waited twice and made movies!)

Aviation  

Next, it was airplane bliss!

You can see the Junkers Ju 52, view suspended airplanes from different eras, and explore the evolution of flight from gliders to jets.

There are also many engines exhibited.

I liked the airplane on display disassembled – you can look at the different parts (and almost everyone stopped for a few minutes at this exhibit!)

It is a Lufthansa and, trust me, it is impressive to look at.

Kids can even try a flight simulator, making this section a favorite among younger visitors.

Optics

The next section was all about mirrors, lenses, and prisms while enjoying photo-worthy experiments involving light, color, and perspective.

There were extra experiments – all interesting – involving light. You can imagine we spent quite a while here!

Musical Instruments

The next exhibition was a very nice surprise.

It is all about musical instruments.

What I loved:

• you can try various instruments,
• you can explore how sound is created and amplified!
• you can hear the sounds of many of the exhibits.

I loved this instrument (it was the first time seeing such an instrument):

We loved playing with the theremin (yes, we actually stopped here twice!) And we would have stayed more, but there were more visitors who wanted to try the instrument:

The musical instruments area is quite big and you can see everything from an orgue (still functional!) to many classical instruments, grouped by types. 

There are also stations like the one above where you can hear different sounds 🙂

Chemistry and Atomic Physics

The next section we visited was the chemistry one – with atomic physics too. Even at the atomic level, interactivity is encouraged — with exhibits explaining radiation, atomic structures, and real-world applications.

Test safe chemical reactions, experiment with materials, and dive into the colorful, creative world of modern chemistry.

As a note, you may be tired of the experiments from the optics area – so maybe go somewhere else before getting here, to enjoy all these new experiments, all great ways to learn.

You will see different foods under a microscope (yes, you can touch it) or even old products – soap, shower gel, and more:

Astronautics

After this section, you will need to prepare to be impressed and step outside the Earth.

Dive into the world of space travel with real satellite models, astronaut gear, and interactive displays about life in orbit.

You can see here vehicles, rockets, engines, costumes, and more!

And yes, even here there is something interactive! 

This is also a great and fun way to learn a lot about space, space missions, rockets, and more. You could spend a day only in this section (if you are passionate or curious to learn as much as possible.)

(Script) Codes

Next, it was a step back in time with an exhibition of code machines (and interesting notes and facts.

Here, there was also a section like a library, with books (you can read them). We sat down (there is a small bench) and went through a few comic books – my son and I had fun because the books we chose were… quite surprising. 

I took pictures, but I do not want to ruin your surprise! (Do not get me wrong, the comic books were just a few from the different and interesting types of books). For us, it was also a way to rest our feet for a bit.

Old Cameras, Radios, Phones, Games, and More 

The next section is where, if you are over 35-40, you will feel old.

Because you will basically see your life there – in the items you grew up with (some are older than you – you saw them at your grandparents).

Electronics

I already mentioned going back in time. Well, the electronics section took me back too. 

While there are many interesting items exhibited, I chose for you this cool tornado made of old electronics. I liked it – I hope you like it too!

Health & the Human Body

Learn about human anatomy, body systems, and health technology in a non-clinical, exploratory way – this is more educational than medical.

And don’t think that this is fun only for kids. Nope – even older people (I saw seniors) are trying this. And myself, obviously 😀

As a nice touch, apart from the entire body exhibited, each part with useful and relevant information, there is also a machine that allows you to perform an operation (a bypass, among others).

Yes, you guessed: I spent some time here! 

Agriculture and Food

From ancient farming tools to modern agricultural tech, this exhibit looks at how we grow, distribute, and consume food today.

There were also ticks exhibited. Along with other items and objects, agriculture-related. Including big machines!

Other

There are a few more items exhibited – including a boat in the yard – but my feet were killing me so this was it for us. 

What You Need to Know Before Visiting The Deutsches Museum

I am including below some tips for visiting the Deutsches Museum, things I wish I knew before I went to this museum, which I consider to be the best museum in Munich.

Plan Your Visit

📍 Address: Museumsinsel 1, 80538 Munich. You can easily get there by public transport – we took the subway and used the app to buy the tickets and plan the trip
🕘 Opening Hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Adults €15 | Teens €8 | Kids under 6: Free
🌐 Official Website

My Pro Tips for Visitors

• Plan at least 4–6 hours, or more if you’re a museum fan
• Buy tickets online to save time – we bought them when we arrived, it was not very crowded, but apparently July-August is a lot more crowded and you can save time by buying the tickets in advance
• Wear comfortable shoes – you’ll be walking a lot
• Drink water BEFORE entering the museum. You cannot take a backpack with food/drinks inside. 
• There is a cafe – at the top level – Aeronautics/Physics area. You cannot miss it. You can drink and eat something here – and rest for a bit
• Use the lockers to store your bags – they are available at the ground floor and the guards will tell you to leave everything there.
• Start with a map and prioritize what interests you most 
• The Museum is accessible for various conditions and you can even find help here – it is one of the family-friendly museums Munich for many reasons.

Souvenir Shop

The museum has a rather comprehensive souvenir shop, with items ranging from fridge magnets and 3d cards to books, gadgets, and more.

We bought a few items from this place, I have to admit 🙂

Why You Shouldn’t Miss the Deutsches Museum in Munich

Whether you’re visiting Munich with kids, a partner, or exploring solo, the Deutsches Museum is a place where history, innovation, and imagination come together. It’s more than just a museum – it’s a day of discovery, creativity, and inspiration. 

We left feeling smarter, more curious, and honestly, a bit surprised at how fun science and technology can be when presented this way.

And yes – we’re already planning to go back.

Add it to your Munich bucket list. If you love learning, exploring, or simply being wowed, the Deutsches Museum belongs on your itinerary because it is one of the best things to do in Munich.

Use this Deutsches Museum review to better plan your visit 🙂