Threat from the air

The exhibition explores the development of military aviation and aerial warfare, as well as the political and social context, and personal experiences.

The first aircraft took to the skies back in the 19th century. From the very beginning, the development of balloons, airships and aeroplanes was linked to military ambitions, even though aviation pioneers dreamed of international understanding and peace. Even before the First World War, the first bombs fell from the sky. In just a few decades, people created weapon systems capable of destroying entire cities.

From the early days to the 1990s

Spanning eight sections, the exhibition ‘Zwischenlandung’ (‘Stopover’) tells the story of military aviation – from the first rickety biplanes to the post-reunification Bundeswehr Air Force deployed internationally.

Each era is marked by a tower built from containers bearing a large photo. Images and objects from this period are displayed in large display cases. The main exhibits are arranged facing the centre of the hangar.

At the heart of the exhibition, well-known and less familiar eyewitnesses from different eras share their experiences in the Room of Reflection. Their stories show how aerial warfare has fundamentally changed our understanding of war and raise difficult questions about responsibility.

Activity stations

Hands-on and interactive!

Join Pat, George and Dakota the dachshund on an exciting journey of discovery through our exhibition! You will find 3D images over 100 years old, a large sliding puzzle, a telescope with interactive search challenges, digitized field post letters and a walk-in bunker. Whenever you see the dachshund, the activities are aimed especially at families and children.