It is hard to imagine modern life if the wheel had not been invented one day. But it did happen, and now we are able to move quickly, travel and cover great distances in a short amount of time. A long time has passed since the first means of transport so it would be strange not to have a museum dedicated to transport. Especially in Munich, which abounds with all sorts of exhibitions.
And yes, there is a transport museum in Munich too! It is located in a real hangar, occupies a large area and always fascinates children. And yes, because many of the exhibits are allowed to climb inside, twist wheels, pull levers and press pedals. But the museum also has an educational function, as a lot of attention is paid to road safety.
Contents
Territory
All the exhibits are displayed in three hangar-like buildings connected by galleries. This is the Transport Museum, a branch of the Deutsches Museum. It occupies a fairly large area and consists of three exhibition halls dedicated to specific transport themes and periods.
Most of the exhibits are permanent, but temporary pieces may appear during thematic festivals.
Tourists are greeted at the entrance by staff in colourful period uniforms. They do not scan the ticket, but stamp it. The atmosphere alone is enough to fascinate children, and then there's more.
Transport Museum exhibits
The first room of the museum is dedicated to urban transport. Once inside, you find yourself at a busy crossroads, where you can't help but be amazed at the number of cars, mopeds, buses and trams from different times and eras.
There's a traffic warden in the middle, desperately trying to regulate traffic, and a patrol helicopter circling under the ceiling. There are lots of trams and buses. There are even historic models, and the more adventurous visitors can climb into the inspection pit underneath an old tram and explore the space — children won't be able to resist the temptation.
Some trams and almost all buses are allowed to climb inside. There is a separate area in the same hall where road safety and rules of the road are taught, and a crash-test bench is available. And there is fun not only for children, but also for adults — a simulator that teaches the basics of driving. Anyone who has never driven a car before is eager to try out the new role.
The second room has a travel theme. You can see cars, wagons, suitcases, bags and everything else related to travel.
There are even carriages that were used as a starting point for the development of transport. There is an old steam engine next to a modern express train.
Some of the old carriages can be entered — adults are mainly interested in comparing the interior. Hall 3 of the Deutsches Museum Verkehrszentrum is only accessible via a special gallery on the first floor. You can reach this gallery by stairs or lift. This room is dedicated to modern research and development.
You'll find all models of bicycles, from the unusual vintage ones to modern ones made of ultra-light materials, as well as a collection of children's scooters. Much attention is paid to electric vehicles, and there is even a model of a fuel-powered bicycle. All tourists will enjoy the model of a district with a railway — the layout is full of vehicles, houses and trains.
At a distance of 3 km is the Toy Museum, which we recommend to visit with children.
Museum for children
In each room of the museum, children will discover new and interesting things. They will find the visit rewarding as there is an educational component as well as the fun. The opportunity to push buttons and climb inside some of the exhibits will delight both boys and girls.
There is also a large play area in the third room for younger visitors, where children can learn the basics of assembling parts, moving vehicles and driving steam trains and cars.
There is also a café in the same hall serving delicious cakes, sandwiches and a cup of coffee or tea.
The museum has a free cloakroom and interestingly themed toilets. There's a snail outside the building, which is also popular with kids for photos.
The local museum shop is a good place to buy souvenirs at a good price. Bring your kids of all ages, because the gleaming exhibits on wheels, touching them, and taking toy cars and trains on a joyride are fun for kids of all ages.
