Göttinger Sammlung mathematischer Modelle und Instrumente
Freely accessible display cases in the Mathematical Institute with about 550 historical models, calculating machines and instruments.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Göttingen model collection is considered the most extensive collection of historical mathematical models in Germany. Its oldest pieces are cardboard polyhedra that Abraham Kästner acquired around 1780. In the 19th century, surface models, crystal models and geodetic instruments were added under Alfred Clebsch, Hermann Schwarz and Felix Klein; David Hilbert used many of the pieces in his lecture "Anschauliche Geometrie" (Intuitive Geometry).
In the late 1920s Otto Neugebauer had the display cases built and a catalog compiled. The most recent models date from around 1930. After the Second World War, mathematicians looked after the preservation of the holdings and recorded losses; since 2011 Laurent Bartholdi has been curator of the collection.
Today the exhibits are almost entirely displayed in showcases in the public area of the Mathematical Institute: on the upper floor, the ground floor and in the Emmy Noether room in the basement. Besides models made of plaster, wood, metal, cardboard and thread, the collection includes boards, instruments, a slide collection and remnants of early calculating machines. An online database catalogs the objects.
Highlights
- About 550 models, instruments and calculating machines
- Oldest models: cardboard polyhedra from around 1780
- Clebsch diagonal surface and Boy's surface
- Display cases on the upper floor, ground floor and in the Emmy Noether room
- Online database of all models
Permanent exhibition
- Mathematische Modelle und Instrumente – Historical models of surfaces, geometry and crystallography, geodetic instruments and calculating machines in display cases of the Mathematical Institute.
- Operated by
- Georg-August-Universität Göttingen (Mathematisches Institut)
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Free admission.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
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Getting there & parking
By public transit
The central bus station (ZOB) is directly in front of the station, to the right. On foot from the station it takes about 15–20 minutes via Berliner Straße and Bürgerstraße; Bunsenstraße is the fourth street on the right, and the institute is the corner building on the left.
By car
Paid parking
Fee-based parking in the surrounding area.
By car via the A7, exit Göttingen/Dransfeld (No. 73, not Göttingen-Nord) toward the center; after the railway underpass turn right onto Bürgerstraße, then take the fourth right turn into Bunsenstraße.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
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Events & venue rental
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Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Guided tours by arrangement. Models in the windowless lower cabinets only after prior registration. |
