Deutsches Museum Bonn

About the museum

The idea for a Bonn outpost of the Deutsches Museum arose in the mid-1980s, when the Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft was looking for a use for the vacant lower level of its Wissenschaftszentrum (Science Center) in Plittersdorf. After the state, the city and the Stifterverband pledged their support, the museum opened on November 3, 1995 – the second branch after the Flugwerft Schleißheim. Since December 1994, the Transrapid 06 maglev train has stood in front of the entrance as a landmark.

Initially, the museum focused on research and technology in Germany after 1945 and developed student labs, family programs and numerous temporary exhibitions. In 2015 Bonn's city council decided to cut its subsidies to save money; after widespread protest, the city, neighboring districts, the Stifterverband and the Dr. Hans Riegel-Stiftung secured its continued operation for the time being in 2017.

Since 2020, with funding from the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, the museum has been reinventing itself under the title "Mission KI" (Mission AI). Most of the former exhibits gave way to interactive experience rooms on artificial intelligence, where "museotainers" guide visitors through the topics instead of traditional exhibition texts. At the end of 2024 the state announced permanent co-funding. From the old collection, mainly the particle and accelerator physics section was kept and given a new presentation.

Highlights

• Transrapid 06 in front of the museum entrance
• Humanoid robot AMECA and research robot RHINO
• Autonomous driving simulator
• KI:Atelier for creative work with AI
• Newly staged exhibits on particle and accelerator physics

Permanent exhibitions

• Mission KI – Colorful experience rooms with interactive stations on the basics, current applications, robotics and creativity of artificial intelligence.
• Elementares: Besuch im Teilchenzoo – Outstanding objects of particle and accelerator physics from the former collection, brought to life anew with modern technology.

Founded

1995

Operated by

Deutsches Museum (Zweigstelle Bonn)

Director

Andrea Niehaus

Visitors per year

approx. 58,000 (2025)

Admission & discounts

Programs for educational institutions cost a flat €150, or €120 for institutions from Bonn, the Rhein-Sieg-Kreis, Kreis Euskirchen and Kreis Ahrweiler. Free admission for, among others, members of the Deutsches Museum, ICOM, the Deutscher Museumsbund, press, and teachers preparing a class visit. Gift vouchers via buchung@deutsches-museum-bonn.de.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

An outdoor elevator leads to the main entrance, and an indoor elevator connects the museum's two levels. Wheelchairs available for visitors. Two accessible parking spaces in front of the main entrance of the Wissenschaftszentrum. Instead of exhibition texts, personal guidance by museotainers; introductory videos in sign language on the website.

Kids & families

Great for kids & familiesRecommended for ages 3+

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities
• Kids’ birthday parties

According to the museum, suitable for children from about age 3; many interactive stations, an animated family rally, a play table with analog games and the KI:osk experience room. Strollers allowed; baby changing facilities in both women's and men's restrooms. Children's birthday parties by reservation (cake in the atrium or in the KI Lounge).

Getting there & parking

Bike racks in front of the museum entrance.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop
• Lockers

Drinks and snack vending machine in the entrance area, KI Lounge for taking a break; the Wissenschaftszentrum bistro is open Tue–Fri 8:00–15:00 (Fri until 14:00). Eulenshop (museum shop) on site. Lockers in various sizes; large bags and backpacks are not allowed in the exhibition.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Up to 120 guests.

Events for up to 120 people (theater seating) in the middle of the exhibition; no separate hall. Basic (Tue–Sun, up to 4 hrs.) from €750 plus VAT, Plus (Mondays) from €2,500 plus VAT. Catering is generally not possible in the museum, but rooms in the Wissenschaftszentrum one floor up can be used for it.

Plan your visit