Tickets for Technik Museum Speyer

Your Complete Guide to Technik Museum Speyer

The Technik Museum Speyer, located in the historic city of Speyer in Rhineland-Palatinate, offers visitors a unique journey through the history of technology and transportation. From the depths of the ocean to the vastness of space, this remarkable museum presents over 2,000 exhibits spread across more than 150,000 square meters of indoor and outdoor exhibition space.

The History of Technik Museum Speyer

Founded as a sister museum to the famous Technik Museum Sinsheim, Technik Museum Speyer opened its doors in 1991. Since then, it has grown continuously, acquiring some truly spectacular exhibits including the Boeing 747, the Space Shuttle Buran, and the massive Antonov An-22 transport aircraft. The museum has become one of Germany's most visited attractions and a must-see destination for technology enthusiasts from around the world.

Getting to Technik Museum Speyer

The museum enjoys an excellent location with easy access by car and public transportation. By car, take the A61 motorway and exit at "Speyer" – the museum is well signposted from there. Coming from Mannheim or Heidelberg, take the B39 towards Speyer. The museum offers free parking for cars, motorcycles, motorhomes, and buses.

By public transport, Speyer is connected by regional trains to major cities including Mannheim, Heidelberg, and Karlsruhe. From Speyer main station, bus lines connect to the museum. On weekends and during holidays, check for special shuttle services that may be operating.

Exhibition Highlights in Detail

The Boeing 747 "Queen of the Skies"

The former Lufthansa Boeing 747-230 "Schleswig-Holstein" is one of the museum's most impressive attractions. This iconic aircraft served passengers for over 25 years, flying routes around the world before its retirement in 2002. At Speyer, visitors can experience this majestic aircraft like never before – walking through the passenger cabin, exploring the upper deck first class area, sitting in the cockpit, and even stepping out onto the wing for a truly unique perspective.

The aircraft's journey to Speyer was a remarkable feat of engineering. After being transported to Speyer by barge on the Rhine River, the 747 was moved to its current position and mounted on specially constructed supports. Today, it stands as a monument to the golden age of commercial aviation.

The Space Shuttle Buran

Perhaps the most historically significant exhibit at Speyer is the Space Shuttle Buran. This Soviet spacecraft was the USSR's answer to NASA's Space Shuttle program. Unlike American shuttles, the Buran was designed to fly unmanned – and in 1988, it successfully completed an automated orbital flight and landing, a remarkable technological achievement.

The specimen at Speyer (designated OK-GLI) was used for approach and landing tests and was transported to Germany after the end of the Soviet space program. Viewing this massive vehicle up close gives visitors an appreciation for both the technological complexity and the political rivalry that drove the space race.

Europe's Largest Space Exhibition

Beyond the Buran, Technik Museum Speyer houses Europe's largest permanent space exhibition. Spanning multiple halls, this comprehensive collection includes original spacecraft, space suits, satellite components, and mission artifacts. Visitors can trace the history of space exploration from early rocketry to modern space stations.

Highlights include an original Soyuz descent capsule, actual space suits worn by cosmonauts, satellite models, and interactive displays about life in orbit. The exhibition provides a thorough and engaging introduction to the technologies that have enabled humanity to explore beyond Earth.

The Antonov An-22 "Antei"

The Antonov An-22 at Speyer is the world's largest propeller-driven aircraft. This massive Soviet transport plane, with its distinctive counter-rotating propellers, represents the pinnacle of turboprop aircraft design. Visitors can appreciate the sheer scale of this flying giant, which was capable of carrying heavy military equipment and supplies to remote airfields.

Maritime and Submarine Exhibition

True to its motto "From Underwater to Outer Space," Technik Museum Speyer features an extensive maritime collection. Visitors can explore a real submarine, experiencing firsthand the cramped conditions in which submariners lived and worked. The exhibition includes historic diving equipment, ship models, and fascinating displays about naval history and technology.

Classic Cars and Ground Transportation

Like its sister museum in Sinsheim, Speyer boasts an impressive collection of historic automobiles, motorcycles, and other ground vehicles. From elegant pre-war classics to powerful post-war sports cars, the collection spans more than a century of automotive history. Fire trucks, emergency vehicles, and agricultural machinery round out this diverse transportation collection.

Planning Your Visit

To make the most of your visit to Technik Museum Speyer, consider these practical tips:

• Allow at least 4-5 hours for a comprehensive visit – there is a lot to see
• Book tickets online in advance to avoid waiting at the entrance
• Visit on weekdays if possible, as weekends can be crowded, especially during school holidays
• Wear comfortable walking shoes – you'll cover significant distances
• Bring a camera for fantastic photo opportunities
• Check the website for special events and exhibitions before your visit

Families with Children

Technik Museum Speyer is an excellent destination for families. Children are fascinated by the huge aircraft, the space exhibits, and the opportunity to explore real vehicles. The museum offers various interactive stations and special programs designed for young visitors. The family ticket provides excellent value, including all children up to 14 years for one price.

Combining Sinsheim and Speyer

For the ultimate technology museum experience, consider visiting both Technik Museum Speyer and its sister museum in Sinsheim. The museums are about 45 minutes apart by car, making a combined visit feasible. While Speyer is known for its Boeing 747 and space exhibition, Sinsheim offers the unique combination of Concorde and Tupolev Tu-144 supersonic aircraft. Together, they provide an unparalleled look at the history of transportation and technology.

The Historic City of Speyer

While visiting the museum, take some time to explore the beautiful city of Speyer. This ancient city on the Rhine boasts a UNESCO World Heritage cathedral (the Speyer Cathedral), charming old town streets, and a rich history dating back to Roman times. The city offers numerous restaurants, cafes, and shops, making it perfect for extending your museum visit into a full day trip or weekend getaway.