Gustav-Weisskopf-Museum Pioniere der Lüfte

About the museum

The impetus came in 1964 with a request from the USA for information about Gustav Weisskopf, born in Leutershausen in 1874, who built flying machines in Connecticut after emigrating. Research began in the town; in 1973 the Flughistorische Forschungsgemeinschaft Gustav Weisskopf (Gustav Weisskopf Aviation History Research Group) was formed and gathered documents and objects.

The museum was founded in 1974 and for a long time was run on a volunteer basis by the research group. Since 1987 it has been housed in the Altes Landgericht, a massive building on the town wall that Margrave Joachim Ernst of Ansbach had built as a granary from 1624 to 1627 and that later served, among other things, as a court, school, and emergency shelter.

From 2019 to 2023 the building was extensively renovated and the exhibition redesigned; since the reopening in September 2023, the town of Leutershausen has run the museum under the name "Pioniere der Lüfte." The central question is whether Weisskopf actually achieved the first powered flight on August 14, 1901 – the evidence is presented as in a criminal case.

The collection includes documents, historical photographs, and glass plate negatives, as well as a suspended replica of flying machine No. 21. Another floor presents other aviation pioneers and, in the "Labor des Fliegens" (Flight Laboratory), invites visitors to experiment with the physics of flight.

Highlights

• Suspended replica of flying machine No. 21b
• Evidence on the disputed powered flight of August 14, 1901
• Video and sound installation on historic Bridgeport
• "Labor des Fliegens" (Flight Laboratory) with experiment stations
• Photo spot with costumes and a small cinema

Permanent exhibitions

• Das Rätsel des 1. Motorflugs – The third floor covers Gustav Weisskopf's life and inventions up to his flight in 1901; the central object is the suspended replica of his machine No. 21b.
• Pioniere der Lüfte und Labor des Fliegens – The fourth floor presents other aviation pioneers and the development of aviation; at experiment stations, visitors can try out the physics of flight for themselves.

Founded

1974

Operated by

Stadt Leutershausen

Admission & discounts

Group tour €60 plus reduced admission per person; "Deluxe" tour with sparkling wine €60 plus €9.50 per person (admission included).

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• 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

The building has an elevator; the Flugforum and Flugwerkstatt on the second floor are accessible, while the historic vaulted cellar can only be reached by stairs.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Kids’ birthday parties

In the "Labor des Fliegens," children can try out at experiment stations how flying works. Bookable are children's tours (ages 6 and up), daycare tours for preschoolers, a workshop on building throw gliders, and birthday parties with an activity program.

Getting there & parking

By car via the A6 (exit Aurach) or the A7 (exit Rothenburg o. d. T. coming from Würzburg, or Wörnitz coming from Ulm).

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Museum shop with souvenirs and its own museum beer.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 60 guests.

Available for rent are the Flugforum (approx. 80 m², up to 60 people in rows of seating), the Flugwerkstatt (approx. 60 m²), and the historic vaulted cellar; weddings are possible, and tours can be added.

Plan your visit