Curating curiosity: an experience at the Deutsches Museum

On a small island between the banks of the Isar River lies the world’s largest science and technology museum: the Deutsches Museum. Upon arrival, we were welcomed by Sabine Pelgjer from the Press and Public Relations department, who provided fascinating insights into the institution’s inner workings.

Organized in five different floors and designed with a focus on accessibility and inclusivity, the museum aims to engage visitors of all age. Sabine explained the meticulous effort behind the exhibits: every sign and description is crafted with extreme care to convey the story of an object, a theory or a scientist. Each sentence is carefully weighed to ensure the language is accessible yet precise, forming neither too long phrases nor too short ones.

Our tour began in the historic aviation section. As we moved through the exhibitions, it was fascinating getting lost in the vast array of discoveries that shaped our modern technological world. I was particularly impressed by the diversity of the collection. Whether your interest lies in chemistry, music, robotics, or even food science, there is something to capture your imagination and attention.

Fotos of the trip to the Deutsches Museum (Source: Anna Dal Bo’s Photos)

Going from a room to another, I could capture the focus on active participation. The museum promotes engagement through games, animations, and sensory stimulation, moving far beyond passive learning. The work of curators in such big institutions is what always leaves me in complete awe. Walking through each section felt like following a perfectly paced narrative, that grew in me both curiosity and inspiration.

Interestingly, the museum owns approximately 125,000 objects, yet only 7,000 are on display, with the rest housed in over ten buildings across the city. Half of them can be found in the online archive, but such big data really tell so much about the massive role of this museum in Munich’s cultural landscape.

With its incredible attention to detail and clear communication, it was a pleasure visiting the Deutsches Museum: one of the city’s greatest gems.