Hubschraubermuseum Bückeburg
One of the few museums in the world devoted entirely to helicopters: more than 50 rotorcraft, models and a flight simulator in the center of Bückeburg.
About the museum
The foundations were laid by Werner Noltemeyer, who in the late 1950s, inspired by an exhibition at the US Army aviation school in Fort Rucker, built up a teaching collection for army aviators in Bückeburg. In 1970 the sponsoring association Hubschrauberzentrum e. V. was founded, and the city provided a historic building, the Burgmannshof, first documented as early as 1463.
After a conversion that preserved the old facade, the museum opened on June 9, 1971, in the presence of helicopter pioneer Henrich Focke. Because the aircraft parked outdoors were suffering from the weather, a large exhibition hall was built and inaugurated in 1980. For the museum's 40th anniversary in 2011, a modern two-story extension with a glass front was added, showcasing milestones in helicopter history.
Guided by the motto "Technik erleben und verstehen" (experience and understand technology), the permanent exhibition "Die Welt des Vertikalflugs" (The World of Vertical Flight) presents more than 50 manned rotorcraft, from autogyros to transport helicopters, along with more than 1,000 components and models; drones have also become part of its scope. Besides the technology, the exhibition also focuses on the designers and pilots. The association also regularly hosts the International Helicopter Forum and the RotorDrone expert forum and maintains an archive on the history of rotorcraft.
Highlights
- 52 manned rotorcraft, from autogyros to transport helicopters
- Prototype of the Eurocopter Tiger, Bell UH-1D and Sikorsky CH-53G
- Former Bundeswehr (German armed forces) pilot selection simulator you can fly yourself
- More than 1,000 components and models
- Historic Burgmannshof (first mentioned in 1463) with a glass extension from 2011
Permanent exhibitions
- Die Welt des Vertikalflugs – Thematically structured exhibition on the history and technology of rotorcraft, with original aircraft, components, models and interactive stations.
- Founded
- 1971
- Operated by
- Hubschrauberzentrum e. V.
- Director
- Dieter Bals
- Visitors per year
- approx. 30,000
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €11 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | €5free up to age 5 · Children and teens aged 6 to 16 €5; under 6 free. |
| Seniors | –No senior discount listed. |
| Groups (15+ people) | €10 per person€1 off per person for groups of 15 or more. |
| Flight simulator (10 minutes) | €10Coin-operated, no booking required. |
Group tours with advance booking: €40 per adult group, €30 per children's/youth group, plus €2 per person from the 16th person.
Accessibility
- 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
Accessible exhibition with ramps and an elevator.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
|---|
- Hands-on stations
- Kids’ birthday parties
Children's groups and children's birthday parties welcome (with at least one adult chaperone); helicopter flight simulator for an additional fee.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Amenities & dining
- Museum shop
Museum shop. Exhibition halls are unheated, so warm clothing is recommended in winter.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 1.5 hrs |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Tours led by former flight instructors and technicians by advance registration, also in English and French; school classes and children's groups welcome. Tour duration 1.5 to 2 hours. |
