Maritime Section

Overview

Tucked within the vast halls of the Deutsches Museum in Munich, Germany, lies the captivating Marine Navigation section, a dedicated space exploring humanity's enduring relationship with the seas. As part of the world's largest museum of science and technology, this section offers a comprehensive journey through maritime history and innovation. Visitors can delve into the evolution of seafaring, from ancient vessels powered by muscle and wind to the sophisticated ships of the modern era. The exhibition showcases a remarkable collection of original vessels, detailed ship models, and interactive displays that illuminate the principles of navigation, shipbuilding, and life at sea.

However, it is important for prospective visitors to note that the Marine Navigation exhibition, alongside the second half of the museum, has been undergoing extensive renovation since July 2022. The modernization project is slated for completion in 2028, coinciding with the museum's 125th anniversary. While some elements may be temporarily inaccessible, the enduring legacy and future promise of this significant collection remain a highlight of the Deutsches Museum experience.

History & Cultural Background

The Deutsches Museum itself was founded in 1903 by Oskar von Miller, envisioned as a place where scientific and technological masterpieces could be presented to the public, fostering both education and amusement. The Marine Navigation section, often referred to as 'a bridge between continents,' embodies this ethos by illustrating how ships have connected cultures, facilitated trade, and shaped global history.

Historically, water transport has been crucial for moving people and goods, often proving more efficient than land routes. This section delves into the foundational aspects of boat building, tracing the craft from early constructions using reeds and wood to the development of sophisticated wooden and later steel vessels. It highlights the ingenuity of countless individuals who ventured across oceans, driven by discovery, trade, or conquest. The narrative extends through pivotal eras, showcasing the impact of shipbuilding and navigation on exploration and the expansion of empires.

What Makes It Special

The Marine Navigation section is distinguished by its array of impressive original exhibits and the depth of its storytelling. One of its most iconic treasures is the U1 submarine, the German Imperial Navy's first major original submarine, launched in 1906. This 42-meter vessel, now housed in the museum's basement, served as a testing ground for new technologies and offers a rare glimpse into early submarine design.

Another remarkable display is the fishing ewer 'Maria,' which launched in Hamburg in the early 1880s and remained in use until the 1950s, illustrating the everyday lives of fishermen. The section also features the steam tug 'Renzo,' which pulled barges through the Venetian Lagoon and whose accessible engine room provides a tangible connection to the industrialization of marine navigation. Beyond these full-scale exhibits, a comprehensive series of 1:50 scale models traces the evolution of ships from Viking vessels and Hanseatic cogs to caravels, three-masted ships, and fast 19th-century clippers.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

The exhibition captures the romance and peril of sea voyages through various narratives and displays. For instance, the 'Yearning and danger: voyages across the sea' area in the basement allows visitors to experience the view from a ship's promenade deck or a wheelhouse, simulating a journey into the port of Hamburg. The exhibit creates an immersive feeling, making one almost believe the boat is moving.

Beyond historical vessels, the section also explores oceanography, shedding light on the mysteries of the deep sea. It showcases the technology used for research in extreme underwater conditions, including an original atmospheric diving suit from the pioneering days of deep-sea diving and a replica of the Trieste bathysphere, which achieved a record depth of 10,916 meters in 1960. These elements highlight humanity's continuous quest to understand and conquer the aquatic realm.

Visitor Perspective

While the Marine Navigation section is a cornerstone of the Deutsches Museum, visitors should be aware of the ongoing renovation. Although this means certain parts might be temporarily closed, the museum continually aims to provide engaging experiences across its numerous departments. The Deutsches Museum, overall, is celebrated for its interactive stations and hands-on exhibits, encouraging visitors of all ages to engage with science and technology directly.

Even with parts under renovation, the sheer scale of the Deutsches Museum, boasting approximately 28,000 exhibited objects across 50 fields, ensures there is always much to explore. The Marine Navigation exhibits offer a fascinating look into the mastery of naval engineering and the historical impact of seafaring, leaving visitors with a deeper appreciation for the forces that shaped our interconnected world.