Hannoversches Fernmeldemuseum
Volunteer-run museum on more than 150 years of telecommunications technology on the grounds of the Tram Museum in Sehnde-Wehmingen.
About the museum
When telecommunications networks were digitized in the 1990s, analog and electromechanical equipment ended up as scrap in huge quantities. In 1994 collectors joined forces to save equipment and make it accessible to the public; in 1995 this became the Hannoversche Fernmeldeclub (Hanover Telecommunications Club). The collection moved several times within Hanover and was shown for years as a touring exhibition in local history museums.
In 2012 the association moved into a hall of around 1,200 square meters on the grounds of the Hannoversches Straßenbahn-Museum in Sehnde-Wehmingen. Building-law issues delayed the opening; in the meantime the members renovated the building and set up the exhibition. On July 3, 2022 the museum finally opened to the public.
On around 600 square meters, the permanent exhibition spans optical communication and Morse telegraphy, telephones of all kinds, teleprinters, fax and Videotex (Bildschirmtext), up to Eurosignal, Cityruf, microwave radio relay and the Bigfon fiber-optic network. One focus is switching technology: switchboards, various selector systems and a working local exchange for around 600 subscribers, whose oldest parts date from the 1920s. Many devices are connected and may be tried out; a small museum cinema shows short films on the themes of the exhibition.
Highlights
- Working local exchange for around 600 subscribers
- Many working telephones and devices to try out
- Model of the Telemax telecommunications tower (2.80 m)
- Telegraphy, teleprinters, Videotex, Eurosignal and Bigfon
- Museum cinema with short films on telecommunications technology
Permanent exhibitions
- Fernmeldetechnik in Deutschland – From telegraphy to the heyday of analog networks: telephones, teleprinters, fax, Videotex, paging services as well as transmission, line and measuring technology, much of it in operation.
- Vermittlungstechnik – Manual switching at the switchboard and automatic selector systems up to a complete, running local exchange.
- Founded
- 2022
- Operated by
- Hannoverscher Fernmeldeclub von 1995 e.V.
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €2 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | €1free up to age 5 · Children under 15 |
During the opening hours of the Hannoversches Straßenbahn-Museum, its admission is added; the museum fee is paid when entering the Fernmeldemuseum, cash only. For dates outside the opening hours of the Tram Museum, its admission does not apply.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
|---|
- Hands-on stations
Many telephones and demonstration systems are in working order and may be tried out.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Wehmingen · 10-min walk
Stadtbahn line 1 toward Sarstedt to Gleidingen/Orpheusweg, then bus 390 toward Sehnde/Schulzentrum to Wehmingen; or Stadtbahn line 6 to Kronsberg, then bus 330 toward Lühnde to Wehmingen (on Sundays only a line taxi with at most 8 seats; groups should register 30 minutes beforehand at 0511 8484). Both connections about hourly. On the museum grounds you ride the historic tram to the stop Hohenfels-Mitte.
By car
For arranged dates outside the opening hours of the Tram Museum, after calling you may drive about one kilometer across the grounds to Hall 26 and park there (uneven concrete road).
The museum is about one kilometer from the entrance of the Tram Museum and, on opening days, can only be reached by its historic trams (about every 20 minutes). By car via the A 7 (exit Laatzen) or A 2 (exit Lehrte) and the B 443; in Wehmingen via Hohenfelser Straße. By bike via the cycle path on the south bank of the Mittellandkanal from Anderten lock.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum is located in Hall 26 in the southern part of the grounds of the Hannoversches Straßenbahn-Museum.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | No tours at fixed times; volunteer experts are happy to explain in person at any time when it is quiet. Special tours for school classes, trainees, students and groups by arrangement, also outside opening hours. For a combined visit with the Tram Museum and the HiFi Museum, allow more than three hours. |
