Fernmeldemuseum Dresden

About the museum

Dresden got its first city telephone exchange in 1882, and for decades the city's telecommunications were concentrated around Postplatz. When analog switching technology in eastern Germany began to be replaced by digital systems from 1991 onward, much of the old equipment was in danger of being scrapped.

Former telecommunications workers therefore founded the Interessengemeinschaft Historische Fernmeldetechnik e. V. (Historical Telecommunications Technology Association) in 1999. The association collects, restores and operates equipment from roughly 1850 to 1990 and set up the Fernmeldemuseum in a Deutsche Telekom office building on Annenstraße, which is run entirely by volunteers.

On the third floor, visitors can see telephones, private branch exchanges, teleprinters, and transmission and clock technology. The centerpiece is a largely faithfully reconstructed switching room whose exchange equipment is demonstrated in operation during tours – technology that used to be off-limits to the public. Most exhibits are in working order, and visitors are allowed to try out many of them.

A specialist library complements the collection. In recognition of its work, the association was added to Saxony's state list of intangible cultural heritage; it also gives talks and runs hands-on projects for school students.

Highlights

• Faithfully reconstructed switching room with operating exchange equipment
• Working teleprinters and telephones to try out
• Telecommunications technology from about 1850 to 1990
• Guided tours by former telecommunications professionals
• Specialist library on the history of telecommunications

Permanent exhibitions

• Drahtgebundene Fernmeldetechnik mit Wählersaal – Telephones, switching, transmission and telex technology from the late 19th century to German reunification, most of it demonstrated in operation.

Operated by

Interessengemeinschaft Historische Fernmeldetechnik e. V. (IGHFt)

Admission & discounts

Admission is paid in cash at the entrance. Free admission with the Ehrenamtspass (volunteer pass) of the Bürgerstiftung Dresden; with the “Dresden for Friends” card, two people pay a single admission. Guided tours for school classes, preschool groups and daycare centers are free.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom: no information
• 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

Not accessible: the exhibition is on the third floor and can only be reached via the stairwell.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Hands-on stations

Many devices can be tried out, such as making calls on the demonstration systems. Free guided tours for daycare centers, preschool groups and school classes; free admission for under-18s. Exhibition accessible only by stairs.

Getting there & parking

Access via Annenstraße 5 (former Telekom main entrance); the meeting point for tours is the sign in front of it.

Amenities & dining

• Lockers

Lockers for larger bags and backpacks (no liability for valuables).

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Plan your visit