Museum in the Lukasklause on the Elbe riverbank about the life and experiments of the natural scientist and Magdeburg mayor Otto von Guericke.
Special exhibition
Using historical maps, archaeological finds and contemporary testimonies, the exhibition examines how the Elbe shaped Magdeburg as a lifeline, transport route and natural environment.
The museum commemorates Otto von Guericke (1602–1686), mayor of Magdeburg, diplomat and natural scientist, who became best known for his experiments on air pressure and vacuum. It is housed in the Lukasklause, part of the medieval city wall on the Elbe riverbank, next to the late Gothic Welscher Turm. The building has also been used for exhibitions, readings and discussions; the historic hall is still used for weddings today.
Together with a student lab and event rooms in the annex, the museum forms the Otto-von-Guericke-Zentrum, operated by the Otto-von-Guericke-Stiftung (foundation). The permanent exhibition traces Guericke's life and presents him as a scientist, politician and visionary. It includes documents and historical information, a reconstructed study and a video about his experiments.
On the fourth floor are faithful replicas of the apparatus Guericke used for his air pressure and vacuum experiments, including the Magdeburg hemispheres and vacuum pumps. During guided tours, visitors can try out many of these experiments themselves.
| Adults | €4 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3 |
| Children & teens | €2free up to age 5 · Children aged 6 to 14 pay €2; children under 6 enter free. |
| Public guided tour (per person) | €3 |
| Group guided tour (flat fee) | €60 |
Access from the riverside is at ground level; the outer door opens outward.
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
|---|
On selected family days there are tours and experiments for children and parents (about one hour, registration required).
The museum is at Schleinufer 1 on the Elbe riverbank in central Magdeburg. An accessible parking space is in front of the building.
Get directionsThe annex has rooms for conferences, lectures and cultural events. Weddings can be held in the historic hall of the Lukasklause by arrangement with the Magdeburg registry office; afterwards, celebrations can take place in the garden or in the Lukasklause.
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Many of the apparatus can be tried out during guided tours. The student lab "Guerickeanium" offers experiments and workshops for school classes. |
