German Museum of Technology

The German Museum of Technology (Deutsches Technikmuseum) in Berlin's Kreuzberg district is one of the largest technology museums in Germany and among the most popular things to do in Berlin, with more than 700,000 visitors in 2023. Set on the grounds of a former railroad freight yard, it fills historic locomotive roundhouses, a modern wing with aircraft and ships, and a hands-on science center. Look for the "Raisin Bomber" on the roof as you arrive.

History

The museum was founded in 1982 on the site of the former Anhalter Bahnhof engine depot and freight yard; the original roundhouses are now exhibition halls. A large new building on the Landwehr Canal, dedicated to aviation and shipping, was inaugurated in 2003. Since 1999 a Douglas C-47 Skytrain has sat on its roof, the type of plane that flew supplies into blockaded West Berlin during the Berlin Airlift of 1948–49. When the Soviet Union cut all land and water routes to West Berlin, the Western Allies supplied the city by air for almost a year, and pilots who dropped candy for children gave these planes their nickname.

What to see

• Railroads: around 40 original rail vehicles from 1843 to 1960 in the roundhouses, plus a turntable outside
• Aviation and shipping in the canal-side wing
• Computing, including Konrad Zuse's machines and a reconstruction of his Z1, an early programmable computer
• Road transport, communications, printing, textiles and more
• A museum park with historic rail tracks and windmills
• Science Center Spectrum, where kids and adults run experiments on light, sound, electricity and mechanics

Spectrum is the place for younger visitors: instead of reading labels, you test things yourself at dozens of experiment stations. Daily demonstrations add to the program.

The photo, film and chemistry sections are currently closed for renovation (as of October 2026).

Tickets and opening hours

Adult tickets cost 15 EUR online or 17 EUR at the door, reduced 9 EUR online. Everyone under 18 gets in free, but needs a free 0 EUR ticket. One ticket covers both the main museum and Spectrum on the booked day. The museum is open Tuesday to Friday 9 am to 5:30 pm and weekends and holidays 10 am to 6 pm, closed on Mondays; last entry is at 5 pm (as of October 2026).

How to get there

Take the U1 or U3 subway to Möckernbrücke or Gleisdreieck (U7 and U2 also stop there), or the S-Bahn to Anhalter Bahnhof. It is a short subway ride from Potsdamer Platz or Alexanderplatz, and the Deutschlandticket is valid. Paid parking is available on site.

Tips for your visit

Allow at least three hours, or a full day with children. Backpacks are not allowed in Spectrum, so use the lockers; large suitcases cannot be stored. On-site restaurants include Café Anhalt and TorEins overlooking Gleisdreieck Park, and you are welcome to picnic in the museum park. Most buildings are wheelchair accessible, except the historic brewery and windmills.

Is it worth visiting?

Definitely, especially with kids, train lovers or aviation fans. Free entry for under-18s makes it one of Berlin's best-value family days out, and the Berlin Airlift plane on the roof links it directly to the city's Cold War history. Nearby Gleisdreieck Park and Potsdamer Platz are easy add-ons, and the ruined portico of Anhalter Bahnhof is a short walk away.