Dynamikum

About the museum

The Dynamikum opened on April 29, 2008, as the first science center in Rhineland-Palatinate. It was created in the "Rheinberger," a factory complex begun in 1905 that was once considered the largest shoe factory in Germany and shapes the industrial history of the shoe city of Pirmasens. The project was financed by the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, the Bezirksverband Pfalz, the city of Pirmasens, European funding, the regional economy, and private donors; the Mathematikum in Gießen served as an adviser and donated individual exhibits.

The museum is run by the nonprofit sponsoring association Dynamikum Pirmasens e. V., which is dedicated to introducing young people to science and technology and develops new exhibits, exhibitions, lectures, and workshops.

On roughly 4,000 square meters and two floors, everything revolves around the central theme of motion. Eight areas – from "Der Antritt" (The Start) and "Bewegte Masse" (Moving Mass) through "Der Dreh" (The Spin) to "Menschenkräfte" (Human Forces) and "Sport" – invite visitors to try out physical phenomena themselves, for example in the rotating house or the filmed all-around jump. A continuous "Band der Bewegung" (Ribbon of Motion) links the themes with the city history of Pirmasens. In the adjacent Strecktalpark, a knowledge trail with outdoor exhibits and a disc golf course continues the experimenting outdoors. In 2022 the museum welcomed its 1,111,111th guest.

Highlights

• Around 160 interactive experiment stations on the central theme of motion
• Rotating house that seems to trick gravity
• "Zeitsprung" (Time Jump): your own jump as an all-around film
• Knowledge trail with 13 outdoor exhibits in the neighboring Strecktalpark
• Disc golf course with 15 holes (discs can be borrowed at the Dynamikum)

Permanent exhibitions

• Was hat Physik mit Bewegung zu tun? – Interactive permanent exhibition in eight areas from "Der Antritt" to "Sport," where visitors try out science, technology, and biomechanics for themselves at numerous stations.
• Wissensparcours im Strecktal – 13 outdoor exhibits on the theme "Aufwind" (Updraft) in the neighboring Strecktalpark, such as an ornithopter and a floating seat, complemented by a disc golf course.

Founded

2008

Operated by

Dynamikum Pirmasens e. V.

Director

Rolf Schlicher (Geschäftsführer)

Admission & discounts

Discounts for holders of various partner cards (including GEOcard, Pfälzer Wald Card, Rheinpfalz-Card, Saarmoselle Pluscard, SZ-Card, VRN). VRN environmental discount with a valid VRN, Länder, or Deutschland ticket: €1.50 off the adult price or €3 off the family ticket. School partnerships for repeat visits at a reduced price. Card payment (Master/Visa) possible.

Accessibility

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

"Barrierefreiheit geprüft" (accessibility checked) certificate (Reisen für Alle): partially accessible for people with walking disabilities and for wheelchair users. The exhibition and restrooms are designed to be accessible, and most exhibits can be used depending on the impairment; the team helps on request. Dogs are not allowed in the Dynamikum.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Kids’ birthday parties: not available

Hands-on museum for all age groups. Workshops (free registration) and daily hands-on activities during school holidays. Individual children's birthday parties are currently not offered. Children under 12 only when accompanied by adults. The neighboring Strecktalpark has a water playground and the knowledge trail.

Getting there & parking

GPS address: Fröhnstraße 8, 66954 Pirmasens (Im Rheinberger).

Amenities & dining

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

Cafeteria area on the third floor with beverage and snack vending machines; small foods and drinks brought from home may be consumed there. Shop with experiment kits, games, and books. Lockers with a deposit at the coat check.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Exhibition and cafeteria area for conferences, seminars, meetings, company and family celebrations, in the evening also exclusively.

Plan your visit