Luftfahrt-Museum Laatzen-Hannover

About the museum

The museum is based on the private collection of entrepreneur and aviation enthusiast Günter Leonhardt, who among other things had Junkers Ju 52 wrecks recovered from a Norwegian lake. In 1992, he contributed large parts of his collection to a non-profit association and opened the museum on the premises of his freight company in Laatzen, not far from the Hannover exhibition grounds.

In two halls and on the outdoor grounds, around 3,500 m² of exhibition space trace the history of aviation from the Montgolfier brothers' first hot-air balloon in 1783 to the present – from balloons and airships through gliders, biplanes, and monoplanes to jets and helicopters. In addition to more than three dozen aircraft, the holdings include hundreds of aircraft models, a collection of piston engines and jet engines, and documents and memorabilia.

Among the best-known pieces are an original Supermarine Spitfire, an elaborately restored Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-2, and a Focke-Wulf Fw 190. Further focal points are gliding and women in aviation. The museum is run by volunteers of the Verein Luftfahrt-Museum Laatzen-Hannover without public funding, supported by the Stiftung Luftfahrt-Museum Günter Leonhardt; since 2013 it has been a member of the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Niedersächsischer Luftfahrtmuseen (working group of Lower Saxony aviation museums).

Highlights

• Original Supermarine Spitfire Mk. XIV
• Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-2 and Focke-Wulf Fw 190 A-8
• Lockheed F-104G Starfighter and MiG-15
• Replica of Lindbergh's Ryan NYP "Spirit of St. Louis"
• Collection of piston and jet engines
• Alouette II helicopter that children can climb into

Permanent exhibitions

• Flugzeugsammlung – Originals and replicas from balloons and biplanes to the Starfighter in two halls and on the outdoor grounds, complemented by hundreds of aircraft models.
• Motorensammlung – Piston engines and jet engines show the technical development of aircraft propulsion.

Founded

1992

Operated by

Luftfahrt-Museum Laatzen-Hannover e. V.

Director

Dr. Marcus Leonhardt (Vorsitzender)

Admission & discounts

EC (debit) and credit cards accepted.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• 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 entrance and accessible restrooms, according to the museum.

Kids & families

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

Getting there & parking

Via the A 7, exit Messe Nord, toward Hermesallee and Karlsruher Straße, then turn right onto Ulmer Straße; the museum is on the left after about 150 m.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Restaurant: not available

No drinks or snacks available; "Fliegerbar" for warming up. Backpacks, umbrellas, and bulky items must be left at the ticket desk.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 70 guests.

Rooms in the museum for company outings, product presentations, conferences, family celebrations, and children's birthday parties with up to 60–70 people; catering through the museum or self-organized.

Plan your visit