Deutsches Museum

[Peter]

For the Deutsches Museum, does anyone know if it is possible to get audio commentary in English or even a guide in English?  I heard that everything is in German, which would ruin a visit there if you don't speak the language.

[Laneris]

It is true. As it says on their site "tours and demonstrations for individuals and families are in German only".

[Peter]

That is not very clever on their part.  A large section of the population in Munich are in fact foreigners.  I read on the news the other day that the Deutsches Museum is financially in trouble... perhaps they need to appeal to a wider customer base by offering information in more than one language, like most major museums around the world.

[Mickey]

 Not speaking of the tourists. What should I do when my family visits me? Ask them to learn German?

[TalkMunichAdmin]

I could be wrong, but whilst watching a TV programme in German about the Deutsches Museum, I thought I saw some of the exhibition descriptions written in English.  I have not visited this museum yet, so I cannot verify if multiple languages are supported or not.

[bigwig]

Has anyone heard if the Deutsche Museum is going to close for refurbishment anytime in the near future?  I read somewhere that they had secured funding for a major facelift but I am not sure when it will happen and how long it will take. Not even sure if any sections will be closed, so obviously I need the contribution of someone who knows about this.

[Simon]

What is the big deal with this museum, does it have anything of particular importance?

[bigwig]

Well, it has a U-Boat.  Also has a large Faraday Cage (demonstrates the ability to avoid death when the cage is hit by lightening).  Loads of things there.  One of the biggest science museums in the world.

[allatsea]

What is the big deal with this museum, does it have anything of particular importance?

Yes. I think it's better than the Science Museum in London, or the Powerhouse in Sydney.

Have a look at their website http://www.deutsches-museum.de/index.php?id=1&L=1

[Simon]

@allatsea,
wow, you seemed to have travelled a bit (unless you are either from the UK or Australia, then reduce that country count by one).
I am afraid to admit, that I often went past the Science Museum in London, but never actually went in.  At least I can't remember going in.  Hold on a second, maybe that was the Natural History Museum.  God, I am confused.

[Starshollow]

if you are into planes and cars and technology per se, the DEUTSCHE Museum is a great place to spend some time. It is by far the greatest place for kids because they have many sections where you can push buttons in order to make things happen (all kind of chemical, physical and other-al things to check). I loved it as a child... but especially the war planes.

[maplegirl]

Sounds great.  I guess there is a restaurant or cafe there as well?  It is just that sometimes it is nice to rest the legs after walking for a few hours and get yourself a nice chilled drink.
Maybe I am a bit behind the times because I thought that the museum was at risk of flooding and had moved premises or something like that.  Was there not a big flood in Sept/Oct 2005 which came very close to breaching the protective barrier around the museum?

[KingCape]

Anyone been here recently and recommend going?  Was it not undergoing refurbishment or something?  I have visitors coming over to Munich next week and the weather is so bad I need alternatives ideas for what to do with them.  DM is one such option, as long as it is not as boring as hell for kids.