Otto-Lilienthal-Museum

About the museum

The museum's roots go back to 1927, when the town of Anklam set up a local history museum. From 1980 onward, it was gradually developed into a separate museum devoted to Otto Lilienthal, the Anklam-born flight pioneer who in 1891 became the first person to make repeated, controlled glider flights. The Otto-Lilienthal-Museum opened in its current form in 1991, marking the 100th anniversary of that achievement.

In 1996 a hall extension was added, giving the large glider reconstructions the space they need. The exhibition presents Lilienthal's life and work, places his experiments within the early history of human flight, and traces developments up to the Wright brothers. Additional sections explore the myth and art of flying, with themes such as Icarus and Leonardo da Vinci.

The municipal museum was recognized by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale in 1996, received a Special Commendation at the European Museum of the Year Award in 1999, and since 2001 has been regarded as a cultural memorial site of national importance. Alongside the collection, it maintains an extensive archive and a specialist library on aviation history.

Since 2007 the Hanseatic town has been pursuing plans to convert the war-damaged Nikolaikirche, where Lilienthal was baptized, into the “Ikareum – Lilienthal Flight Museum”; the church can already be visited on guided tours, including a climb up the tower.

Highlights

• World's largest collection of reconstructions of Lilienthal's flying machines
• Flight simulators for Lilienthal gliders and Rogallo kites
• Exhibition sections on Icarus, Leonardo da Vinci and the Wright brothers
• Free digital media guide
• European Museum of the Year Award – Special Commendation 1999

Permanent exhibitions

• Otto Lilienthal und die Frühgeschichte des Menschenflugs – Reconstructed Lilienthal flying machines, documents on his life and milestones in aviation history up to the Wright brothers. Simulators let you experience the principles of flight firsthand.

Founded

1991

Operated by

Hansestadt Anklam

Director

Peter Busse

Admission & discounts

Admission tickets and guided tours are also available as gift vouchers. The website does not specify who qualifies for reduced admission.

Accessibility

• Partially 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

According to the museum, the entrance and restroom are accessible; however, part of the exhibition cannot be reached step-free. Dogs are allowed on the terrace only.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

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

Experiment area on the physics of flight in the museum; age-appropriate programs for daycare and school groups. At the associated Aeronauticon at Anklam airfield (free admission) there is a playground with flying machines, hands-on activities and children's birthday parties (e.g., on the theme of space).

Getting there & parking

By car via the A20: coming from Berlin, exit Pasewalk-Süd and continue on the B109; coming from the west, exit Jarmen and continue on the B110 through the town center.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Museum shop with books, catalogs and learning materials.

Events & venue rental

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

Plan your visit