Technikmuseum Hugo Junkers

About the museum

The engineer and entrepreneur Hugo Junkers (1859–1935) made Dessau a center of industry: his company first produced gas-fired bath heaters and heating appliances, and later pioneering all-metal aircraft such as the F 13 and the Ju 52, as well as aircraft engines, were built here. On the site of the former Junkers works in the west of the city, several listed buildings from the 1930s have survived, including the administration tower, a wind tunnel from 1934/35, and a compass compensation platform for calibrating on-board instruments.

After German reunification, a friends' association was founded in 1992 and gathered artifacts of Junkers history. On May 31, 2001, the museum opened in a renovated, light-filled factory hall from the 1950s with around 4,200 square meters of exhibition space. The association still runs the museum largely on a volunteer basis.

The exhibition is divided into eight themed areas – from Junkers the inventor and entrepreneur through gas appliances, heating technology, metal house construction, and engine building to the working culture at the plant. It also covers the deportation of Junkers specialists to the Soviet Union in 1946–1954 and GDR aircraft construction up to 1961. The centerpiece of the hall is a restored Ju 52/3m that sank in Norway during World War II and was recovered in 1986; there are also replicas of the F 13 and the J 1, Soviet military aircraft, a helicopter, and a steel house based on a Junkers design. More aircraft, such as an Il-14, stand on the outdoor grounds.

Highlights

• Restored Junkers Ju 52/3m, recovered in Norway in 1986
• Replicas of the Junkers F 13 and the all-metal J 1 aircraft
• Historic wind tunnel from 1934/35 with guided tours
• Outdoor area with an Il-14 and other aircraft
• VR missions and flight simulators (extra charge)

Permanent exhibitions

• Hugo Junkers – Leben und Werk – In eight themed areas, the hall presents Hugo Junkers' wide-ranging work, from the gas bath heater and aircraft engines to the metal house, as well as the history of the works up to the GDR era.
• Flugzeugsammlung mit Ju 52 und Freigelände – Originals and replicas from the Ju 52/3m to the F 13 in the hall, plus commercial and military aircraft such as the Il-14 outdoors.

Founded

2001

Operated by

Förderverein Technikmuseum „Hugo Junkers“ Dessau e. V.

Admission & discounts

Free admission with a valid WelterbeCard. Photos and videos for private purposes are included in admission; commercial shoots only by arrangement.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• 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

Described as largely barrier-free by the Museumsverband Sachsen-Anhalt; the museum itself provides no further details.

Kids & families

• Hands-on stations

Flight simulators and VR experiences by advance registration; the F13 simulator is suitable for ages 14 and up, the IL18 simulator for ages 16 and up. Family ticket for 2 adults and 2 children.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Dogs are welcome.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

The museum hall or individual rooms for company parties, presentations, conferences, training sessions, graduation parties, and family celebrations; catering through local hotels. The museum hall cannot be rented from November to March.

Plan your visit