Permanent exhibition

Water, air, fire & earth

The history of technology along the four-element theory and laws of nature

The permanent exhibition at the phanTECHNIKUM

Here you will find a unique collection of objects and stories that exhibit the history of technology along the lines of the four elements and the laws of nature using hands-on stations and interactive content.

The interactive adventure takes you through the elements WATER, AIR, FIRE and EARTH on 3500 m² of exhibition space.

Open today 10 am - 5 pm

Opening hours

Tickets adults 12€ | reduced 8€

Admission prices
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WATER

Immerse yourself in the world of water - a source of energy and inspiration. From shipping to coastal protection, from hydropower to the importance of water for people and industry - immerse yourself in the floods of innovation. Marvel at models of boats and ships from the Wismar shipyard and experience the impressive original ship's diesel engine of the “Gorch Fock” up close. See the Voith-Schneider propeller, with which a ship can be moved in all directions, even sideways. Explore interactive exhibits on the use of hydropower and be inspired by the wide range of experimental stations.

AIR

Ready for a journey through the air? Here, everything revolves around aviation and space travel, aerodynamics, weather phenomena and the power of steam. The “Maschinentempel”, a high-pressure steam engine built in 1840 by Ernst Alban from Neubrandenburg, can be seen as a replica and visitors can impressively understand the functions of an explanatory steam engine developed for our museum.
The collection of unique models of flying machines and airplanes, whether originals or rare replicas, illustrates the country's close connection to the subject and discusses it critically. The historical aspects of aviation on display here show why this region in Germany is still of interest to aviation enthusiasts and historians.
Admire unique models of flying machines and learn how Mecklenburg-Vorpommern became the cradle of aviation technology. From the pioneering gliding flights of Anklamer Otto Lilienthal in Berlin and Brandenburg from 1891 to the launch of the first jet aircraft HE 178 at Ernst Heinkel Flugzeugwerke GmbH in Rostock in 1939, the advance into space with the A4 rockets in Peenemünde in 1944 and its criminal context: immerse yourself in the exciting history of aviation and let yourself be enchanted by the highs and lows of dreams of flight.

 

FIRE

Step into the world of fire and energy production! This exciting exhibition highlights the impressive history of combustion processes, industrial revolution and energy production. Find out how fire served as an engine for progress and innovation. In the “Combustion Engines” section, you can see a functional model of the engine from the fishing research vessel ERNST HAECKEL, which was built in 1963 at the Mathias-Thesen shipyard in Wismar. A highlight is our unique collection of over 1,000 exhibits of welding and joining technology, presented in the “FEUER VERBINDET” exhibition. Experience the exciting history and diverse applications of these fascinating techniques.

EARTH

Explore the fascinating world of the element EARTH and embark on a unique journey through the history of technology, culture and mobility. Learn more about the history of cycling in the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania in a narrative brought to life in an extraordinary way.

In the "On Two Wheels" section, you can discover the technological and cultural development of the bicycle from 1817 to the present day. Another exhibition room is dedicated to two-wheelers through the lens of cycling sports in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. It features multifaceted presentations and installations covering cycle ball, artistic cycling and road cycling, as well as the traditional barrel-striking competition (Tonnenabschlagen). In the near future, the "On Two Wheels" exhibition area will be completed by an exciting display on future mobility.

Another individual object that impresses simply by its size can be marveled at in the phanTECHNIKUM outdoor area: the caterpillar tractor built around 1920 by the Wismar car manufacturer Paul Heinrich Podeus. Believed to be the last surviving example, it returned from Finland to its hometown in 2016 and now stands on the museum courtyard as a treasure rich in history.