Winter Weeks
History of technology and cinema from underwater to outer space

Januar bis März

To bridge the gloomy winter months, our visitors were able to enjoy a special offer at our museums. Each visit came with a free IMAX documentary: Dive into the depths of the ocean, or take off into space. From 6 November to 22 December, it was once again time to experience technology, enjoy entertainment and save money!

Ten years as museum president Hermann Layher
#fürfansvonfans

Jubiläum

Congratulations on ten years as an inspiring museum president! During this time, he has shaped and advanced our museums in an impressive way. His dedication, passion, vision and, above all, joy have not only enriched the exhibitions, but also the way in which we experience the history of technology.

Here's to the next ten years full of inspiring ideas, fascinating stories and further milestones for our Technik Museen Sinsheim Speyer.

Barrel organ serenade
The barrel organs never sound sweeter ...

Februar 2023

We were finally able to celebrate a special kind of concert with the audience and participants. In the middle of Europe's largest space exhibition, a wide variety of instruments could be heard that evening, from small barrel organs to funfair organs.

The players came from the region, Berlin and even Switzerland. The atmosphere and the response were so good that we immediately started planning for 2024. We will continue jamming on 24 February 2024.

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Petrol talk
The meeting #fansfürfans

März - September

This event has become an integral part of the calendar for regional classic car enthusiasts. Whether on four, three or two wheels - they are all welcome here and there are exciting photo opportunities for museum guests in the car park of the Technik Museum Speyer. The dates for 2024 are already fixed: always on the first Sunday in the months of April and June to September.

Film premiere "Walter & Michèle "
A journey through time with the smell of petrol

März 2023

As part of our successful "Special exhibition: Walter Röhrl", over 500 guests were treated to a journey through time with the smell of petrol at the film premiere of a special kind: "Walter & Michèle". The film deals with the 1982 World Rally Championship with the legendary battle between the German Walter Röhrl and the Frenchwoman Michèle Mouton.

Walter Röhrl, filmmaker Helmut Deimel and photographer Reinhard Klein, who were on location at the time, provide a unique insight into the rally events of the 1980s in the film. The film was followed by a discussion with the three men and an autograph session with rally icon Walter Röhrl.

Ralf Antweiler, Reinhard Klein, Walter Röhrl and Helmut Deimel

Transall experience tour
Fancy some fresh air?

#fürfansvonfans

Our aviation giant stands quietly and relaxed on the lawn of the Technik Museum Speyer. But twice a year, when the members of the "Classic Aviators" association visit to look after their "Trall", it comes to life and blows the wind around the noses of aviation fans young and old. Beforehand, there are guided tours of the interior with lots of information about the transport aircraft.

1.000 Dank an die ehrenamtlichen Transall-Experten ... vor allem an die Nachwuchs-Piloten.
Eine Gams auf den Bergen, die zurückblickt ...
Am 28. Oktober wurde dieses neue Wappen angebracht: Unsere Transall gehörte zum LTG 61 Geschwader aus Penzing.

Annual General Meeting
Annual report, cash report and discharge

#fürfansvonfans

The annual general meeting of the Förderverein takes place once a year - on 18 March at the Technik Museum Sinsheim. As always, a highlight at this meeting: Chairman of the Board Kuno Hug honoured those present for 25 years of loyal membership of the association. We look forward to welcoming you to the next Annual General Meeting at the Technik Museum Speyer on 23 March 2024.

ESA astronaut Michel Tognini visits Speyer
The first space traveller for 2023

März 2023

On Saturday, 25 March, French ESA astronaut Michel Tognini visited the Technik Museum Speyer to give a talk about his two space missions.

Michel Tognini flew to the Russian space station Mir in 1992 and into space on board the American space shuttle Columbia in 1999. From May 2003 to December 2004, Tognini was ESA's chief astronaut and thus head of the astronaut department at the European Astronaut Centre (EAC).

From January 2005 to 1 November 2011, the Frenchman was Director of the European Astronaut Centre (EAC) in Cologne.

He talked about this in his exciting lecture at the FORUM cinema.

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Opening "One hundred years of the 24 Hours of Le Mans"
This was no April Fool's joke ...

Neue Sonderausstellung in Sinsheim

The year 2023 was all about France for us. Our museums have a very special connection to our neighbouring country. Not only do we exhibit numerous artefacts from the Grande Nation, but the museum in Speyer alone looks back on a "French past".

But on 1 April, we all looked to Sinsheim. That's when we opened our current special exhibition "One hundred years of the 24 Hours of Le Mans". The endurance race on the Sarthe celebrated its 100th anniversary this year. With our new special exhibition, we are honouring one of the most important motorsport events in the world.

Keinen geringeren als Le Mans-Enthusiasten und Künstler Uli Ehret konnten wir als Kurator für ihre neue Sonderausstellung gewinnen.

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The submarine is coming (part 1)
Loading, demilitarising and clearing the ship

Unser neues Exponat

At the beginning of April some of our colleagues made their way north. Because a few weeks later we were finally ready to go: We were bringing our new exhibit to Speyer.

A few arrangements still had to be made for this: After the final contract was signed, U17 was towed to the shipyard in Kiel. That was also the last time the submarine was in the water. At the shipyard in Kiel, a 900-tonne gantry crane lifted U17 out of the water to float it into the dry dock.

Speyer Modelling Days
Always at Easter

April 2023

We are fascinated by model making. That's why the Speyer Modelling Days have traditionally been held at Easter since 2004.

The event is organised by Hanspeter Heger and members of the VFLP e.V. From 8 to 10 April, numerous exhibitors once again showcased their most beautiful models in the exhibition halls and outdoor area of the museum.

In addition to the classic genres such as aviation, locomotives and automobiles, the science fiction sector will also be represented. Model-making fans big and small should mark 30 March to 1 April 2024 in their calendars.

Spring cleaning
Everything shines ... so beautifully new

April 2023

To ensure that you can enjoy our exhibits all year round, they have to be cleaned of dirt and weathering residues again and again.

The high-pressure cleaners were used right into the autumn.

International Aircraft Veterans Parts Exchange
Here the historic aviation heart beats faster

April 2023

On 15 April, the 49th International Aircraft Parts Exchange opened its doors in Speyer.

Numerous exhibitors from Germany and abroad showcased their rare aircraft parts on this day, which they sold, traded or simply talked shop about. This fair will celebrate an anniversary on 13 April 2024.

Meeting of historic omnibuses
Motorised cultural assets on the road in the Kurpfalz

April 2023

At the 6th European Meeting of Historic Buses and Coaches, motorised cultural assets moved through the Electoral Palatinate from 21 to 23 April. These cosy vehicles stand out with their colourful bodies and are always an eye-catcher.

This weekend, around 70 of these great beauties travelled from Sinsheim to Speyer and back again. Whether participants or visitors - the "colourful giants" went down well with everyone. In April 2027, the meeting is set to go into its 7th round.

Goldrun 2023
82 cars with 154 starters

April 2023

... this is what Europe's largest sports car rally recorded when it arrived in Sinsheim on 23 April. Everywhere you looked, the museum courtyard was full of high-powered speedsters.

MotoGymkhana

April und September 2023

On 30 April and 23 September, MotoGymkhana Deutschland e.V. offered motorbike enthusiasts the unique opportunity to put their skills and their machines to the test.

A U-turn with full steering lock and scraping footrest, maximum acceleration followed by hard braking into a six-metre circle or a 360-degree turn in the smallest of spaces - MotoGymkhana is just the thing for bikers who want to improve their riding technique and motorbike control effectively and with fun. The dates for 2024 have already been set: 20 April and 28 September 2024.

The submarine is coming (part 2)
A transport on the edge of feasibility

Unser neues Exponat

Before the U17 transport could start its journey through Germany, the final preparations had to be made at the Kiel shipyard - of course with the active and expert support of German Naval Yards Kiel, thyssenkrupp marine Systems GmbH and Spedition Kübler GmbH.

The submarine is coming (part 3)
Look, you landlubbers ... here we come!

Unser neues Exponat

It was Thursday, 11 May, when U17, pushed by the push boat PIETER Van der Wees, set off for Nijmegen at six in the morning. Always on board were the two former submariners and members of the "Verband Deutscher Ubootfahrere e.V." Jürgen Weber and Jörg Wiest. The gentlemen were always available to answer questions from the press and interested parties.

And with the help of the GPS tracker on board, the fans always knew where U17 was at any given time.

immer mit dabei: Jürgen Weber vom "Verband Deutscher Ubootfahrere e.V.".

BRAZZELTAG® 2023:
A new audience record has been set

#fürfansvonfans

Dear members, what an unforgettable weekend it was! While U17 celebrated in the Rhineland, fans celebrated the BRZAZZELTAG® technology festival in Speyer.

In 2023, we expanded the event site and set a new record with over 20,000 visitors.

As every year, we offered visitors new attractions. For example, 2023 saw the first live landing of a helicopter, the UH-1, known to experts as "Huey". Thousands of people gathered in the Brazzel Arena to feel the wind in their faces and experience the landing up close.

The submarine is coming (part 4)
We had reached the halfway point ... but the most dangerous part of the journey still lay ahead of us.

Unser neues Exponat

And we celebrated the festivals as we reached them: Japanese Days in Düsseldorf, the "650th anniversary" town festival in Zons and in Cologne ... it was one big party - and U17 was right in the middle of it.

Meeting of historical agricultural machinery
Skill course, round trips and tractor puller

Mai 2023

The Whitsun weekend was all about historic agricultural machinery. Over 60 historic tractors and haulers rolled up to the second "Meeting of Historic Agricultural Machinery" in Sinsheim. The event offered a fascinating journey back in time and presented an impressive selection of rare and unusual tractors.

The two tractor pullers with the illustrious names "Boomerang" and "Iwan" were undoubtedly among the highlights. They attracted a lot of attention with their impressive demonstrations. A skills course for the tractors and tours with the museum's own LANZ Bulldog provided additional entertainment.

This weekend, we also welcomed interested visitors from various clubs, including the OSCK Oldtimer Schlepperclub Kurpfalz, the Schlepperfreunde Neckargartach and the Bulldog- und Schlepperfreunde Württemberg e.V. The entertaining fan meeting will enter the next round on 15 and 16 June 2024.

The submarine is coming (part 5)
Buck up, unload, drive off: Ready to "roll off"

Unser neues Exponat

Having arrived at the natural harbour in Speyer, the workshop colleagues prepare U17 for road transport: Using eight hydraulic cylinders, they jacked up the lifting structure together with the 500-tonne truck to 1.40 metres, drove under it with the low-loader, unloaded the boat and secured it.

This precision work required patience and concentration.

175 years Speyer fire brigade
36 degrees and it got even hotter ...

Juni 2023

But fortunately the fire brigade was there in Speyer - the reason: on 10 and 11 June, the Speyer fire brigade celebrated its 175th anniversary on our premises.

In addition, other emergency and rescue services presented themselves and provided information about their work. In the scorching heat, there were historic blue-light vehicles to admire, fun competitions for children and rescue workshops.

One hundred years of the 24 Hours of Le Mans
Our exhibition areas are constantly changing

Sonderausstellung

Our current special exhibition "One hundred years of the 24 Hours of Le Mans" is no exception. In the exciting history of the endurance race, renowned automobile brands have competed and continue to compete against each other.

At the "Grand Prix d'Endurance", careers began or were extinguished. Here, destinies were taken in hand, promising start-ups were destroyed and little-known racing teams became world-famous overnight.

In this superbowl of motorsport, the Kraichgau-based racing car designer Gebhardt was also involved in the newly founded Group C with his own designs from 1982 onwards. After a successful period, the racing cars were sold to customer teams. In 2019, Fritz Gebhardt set about collecting and restoring his Group C cars, which were scattered around the world.

He and his team personally brought three of them to the museum:

Gebhardt JC 843-Ford, year of construction 1984
Gebhardt C88, year of construction 1987, chassis 872/1
Gebhardt JC 853-Ford, year of construction 1984

Kawasaki Days
We also go green sometimes

Juni 2023

The Japanese motorbike brand hosted its Kawasaki Days here on 17 and 18 June. While the stunt and MX freestyle shows and the daredevil "SheRIDES" on the steep wall fired up the audience, visitors were able to put their own skills to the test on a wheelie simulator.

The latest Kawasaki models, spare parts and accessories were available on the dealer and partner mile. On 15 and 16 June 2024, it will once again be "Let the good times roll" in Speyer.

Ostalgie Treffen
More than just Ladas and Trabants ...

Juni 2023

could be experienced live at this year's Ostalgie Treffen on 18 June in Sinsheim.

Despite the heat, almost 100 vehicles rolled up, including Moskwitsch models, Tatras, GAZ vehicles, Wartburgs, a Soviet state limousine and an impressive snow clearing vehicle built on the other side of the Iron Curtain.

We are looking forward to 7 July 2024.

Visit of the French Consul General
Bienvenue au musée de la technologie

Juni 2023

On 23 June, the French Consul General from Stuttgart paid us a visit: Gaël De Maisonneuve. The programme included a guided tour of our current special exhibition "One hundred years of the 24 Hours of Le Mans" and, of course, the ascent to the Concorde.

Audi Type 89 Convertible Meeting
Timeless fresh air gliders ...

Juni 2023

came together the following day at the Audi Type 89 Cabrio Treffen in Sinsheim.

From "barn finds" to original condition and extreme conversions - there was plenty for visitors to see. The sixth meeting was organised by the "Audi Cabrio Süd" interest group.

The seventh round will take place on 22 June 2024.

Die Organisatoren des Treffens: Interessengemeinschaft "Audi Cabrio Süd"

Last flight of our Concorde
Incroyable ... it's already been 20 years!

#fürfansvonfans

On 24 June 2003, the grande dame of the skies, Concorde F-BVFB, landed at Baden-Airpark. Two hours earlier, the Air France aircraft flew over the Atlantic for the last time, breaking the sound barrier in the process.

When it reached its parking position at Baden-Airpark, it went into its well-deserved retirement and our workshop team immediately set about preparing the white bird for onward transport to Sinsheim.

Tens of thousands of spectators made the pilgrimage to the airport that Tuesday to witness this unique spectacle. Were you there too?

Zum Video

International Gauge-1 Meeting
Successful at the new location ...

Juni 2023

war das Internationale Spur-1 Treffen. Am 24. und 25. Juni trafen sich in der Eventhalle „Hangar 10“ in Speyer Modelleisenbahnfans aus ganz Europa, um ihre Modelle vorzuführen oder um Teile zu verkaufen.

Für die Besucher und Sammler gab es unzählige technische Details, zahlreiche dekorative Hingucker und sehr viel Liebe zum Hobby zu sehen und zu erleben.

Bitte beachten Sie, dass es für das Internationale Spur-1 Treffen einen neuen Termin gibt: 16. und 17. November 2024.

Meike ... congratulations
#UnbeatableTogether

#fürfansvonfans

Our dear colleague Meike took part in the first Special Olympics World Games in Berlin at the end of June and took 2nd PLACE with her handball team!

These games are the world's largest inclusive sporting event. Thousands of athletes with intellectual and multiple disabilities competed together. Meike ... we congratulate you from the bottom of our hearts and are very proud to have you in our restaurant team.

The submarine is coming (part 6)
Throwing ballast overboard

Unser neues Exponat

As soon as there was some peace and quiet after landing on the museum grounds in Speyer, the colleagues got to work: the submarine was made lighter so that it could pass the next sections of the route.

To do this, 100 tons of batteries were removed from the boat and the engines were fixed in place.

This was no easy task: each of the 140 batteries weighs around 720 kilograms and had to be lifted from the basement of the submarine through a small loading hatch in the front section.

Zum Video

ADAC Heidelberg Historic
More than 500 km through Baden-Württemberg

Juli 2023

As every year, one of the largest classic car rallies in Germany started and finished on our premises in Sinsheim: ADAC Heidelberg Historic. Over 180 exquisite classic cars cruised through the northeast of Baden-Württemberg from July 13-15, covering 520 km. Registrations are already open for the rally on July 11-13, 2024.

Concert of the Rhineland-Palatinate State Philharmonic Orchestra
Goosebumps feeling included ...

Juli 2023

Under the concert title "Infinite Expanses" and in cooperation with SWR, the Staatsphilharmonie and chief conductor Michael Francis performed below the Buran on 14 July.

Against the futuristic backdrop, works by Richard Strauss and Gustav Holst were performed, releasing power and energy in an equally impressive way.

Anniversary of the Concorde transport
A superlative action ...

#fürfansvonfans

took place on 19 July 20 years ago: in 2003, we transported our iconic Superbird from Speyer to Sinsheim. What was once the fastest aircraft in the world, the Concorde, was transported at walking pace along the motorway. And we all held our breath: Despite the removal of the wingtips, the aircraft was still an impressive 14.45 metres wide. So the fuselage had to be transported on a special tiltable low-loader from Spedition Kübler GmbH. Otherwise the Concorde would not have fit under the motorway bridge.

The transport took all night. In the early hours of the morning, the Air France aircraft was lifted from the closed A6 motorway onto the museum grounds.

What a logistical challenge that was ... As you know, an almost similar operation (to put it mildly) awaits us all in 2024.

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Ducati Days
„LET'S RIDE AS ONE“

Juli 2023

Under this motto, over 500 Ducati machines, including unique models such as a Ducati 916 or Panigale V4R, came together in Sinsheim on 22 and 23 July for the 1st Ducati Days in Sinsheim.

The event offered test rides, exhibitors with the latest products, a wheelie simulator and a fascinating collection of Ducati motorbikes. A special highlight was the presence of well-known motorbike racer Philipp Öttl, who rides for the Ducati GoEleven team in the Superbike World Championship.

The chances of a continuation are good.

Motorbike racer Philipp Öttl did not miss the Ducati Days in Speyer.

Organ concert
A concert of a special kind

Juli 2023

While the machines from the Italian motorbike manufacturer in Sinsheim put on an engine concert, visitors listened to something very special in Speyer on 23 July: French organ artist Jean-Baptiste Monnot brought along his "Orgue du Voyage" and improvised live to the silent film classic Nosferatu.

We all immersed ourselves in the fascinating combination of music and technology as Monnot's travelling organ filled the room with unique sounds. A truly unforgettable concert experience.

Oppenheimer
Cinema summer in IMAX

Juli 2023

Fans have been waiting for this film. The latest masterpiece from one of the best directors of the 21st century, Christopher Nolan: OPPENHEIMER.

The story behind the brilliant mind is known to most. But experiencing it on our gigantic IMAX screen was a pure cinema experience. From 27 July, this masterpiece dominated our cinema for weeks. This was followed by a two-week Nolan special with the blockbusters Interstellar, Inception, Dunkirk and Tenet.

We are more than excited about Nolan's next film.

Lotus Day
75 years Lotus

Juli 2023

75 years of British minimalism paired with outstanding driving behaviour - the super-light sports car looks back on a racing history crowned by numerous successes and still enjoys great popularity today.

To mark the anniversary, the "Lotus Historic Register Germany" club organised the Lotus Day in Sinsheim on 29 July. Over 250 Lotus cars from various model years took part.

Mavis goes Wacken
Rain, mud and Mavis in the middle of it all

#fürfansvonfans

True metalheads can't be deterred from making the pilgrimage to the world's biggest metal festival in the north of Germany by a bit of "weather".

And we were there again: at the Wacken Open Air 2023, from 2 to 5 August. Our Packard-Bentley "Mavis" more than worthily took over from Brutus and fired up the headbangers, including grilled sausages.

US Car meeting:
An almost perfect weekend

August 2023

While Mavis and some colleagues braved the weather conditions in Wacken, we celebrated our beloved US car meeting in Sinsheim on 5 and 6 August.

On Saturday, we celebrated the American way of life in the best August weather with a BBQ, live music and countless cool dream cars. An award ceremony, low rider show, a Corvette run and much more were on the programme.

Unfortunately, the meeting was cancelled on Sunday. Nevertheless, some people still turned up with their V8 cars ... that was just great!

The next US car meeting will take place on 3 and 4 August 2024.

Space Weeks
Two astronauts in one go ...

August 2023

was the theme of the Space Weeks in August. On 5 August, around 300 young and old fans listened intently to the stories of NASA astronaut Michael Allen Baker.

On 26 August, ESA astronaut Paolo Nespoli took over the speaker's platform.

Incidentally, Nespoli was the 63rd space traveller to visit our "Apollo and Beyond" exhibition. Afterwards, the children had the opportunity to take photos with the astronauts.

Afterwards, we were allowed to interview both astronauts.

NASA-Astronauten Michael Allen Baker
Zum Video
ESA-Astronaut Paolo Nespoli
Zum Video

30 years of U9 in Speyer
We celebrate the festivals as they fall

August 2023

From 17 to 21 August, we celebrated the anniversary "30 years of the U9 in the museum". As support, how could it be otherwise, the members of the VDU e.V. and former crew members were there and organised a colourful supporting programme for the visitors: guided tours, lectures, serenades by the German Navy and much more.

Fire exercise
Just in case ...

August 2023

On 19 August, we welcomed the Sinsheim Volunteer Fire Brigade to our premises. The reason: they carried out a rescue exercise at our premises, or rather the controlled abseiling of an injured person from the Tupolev Tu-144, or ERHT for short (simple rescue from heights and depths).

Congratulations Ronja
She’s simply the best …

August 2023

It is with great pleasure that we would like to congratulate our esteemed colleague Ronja on passing her exam today!

She passed the 2023 Chamber of Industry and Commerce examination "Specialist in System Catering" as the best in the country Her hard work, determination and commitment have paid off and we are proud to have such a talented person in our ranks.

This achievement is not only a personal milestone for Ronja, but also a cause for celebration for our entire team.

Meeting of historic commercial vehicles
Magirus, Saurer, MAN and Co.

September 2023

On 16 and 17 September, we had the pleasure of welcoming around 170 vintage trucks to Sinsheim. Underneath the Legends of Aviation, classic car enthusiasts from all over Germany and parts of Austria gathered to present an impressive collection of transport vehicles from past decades to visitors.

Organised by the Interessengemeinschaft Süddeutsche LKW-Veteranen-Freunde, the meeting not only offered the opportunity to see these historic treasures up close, but also to hear the stories behind them. We are already looking forward to the 3rd meeting of historic commercial vehicles in 2025!

The submarine is coming (part 7)
A small correction

Unser neues Exponat

Before the turn could be practised, the colleagues had to dismantle the elevator. Don't worry ... It will be back in Sinsheim.

Prince Leopold drives BRUTUS
Poldi meets Brutus - a climate-neutral world record attempt

September 2023

A special spectacle took place in Sinsheim on 19 September: His Royal Highness, Prince Leopold of Bavaria, set out to tame our Brutus and did so in a completely climate-neutral way.

Co-organised by the Royal Bobsleigh Automobile Club (RBAC), the racing legend drove what is probably the largest capacity vehicle in the world, the "Brutus" with pure eFuel, for the first time. This is produced at the world's oldest mining university in Freiberg (Saxony) in a plant operated by CAC Engineering, a partner of the RBAC.

After a few laps, it was proven that even an engine with a capacity of 47 litres can be driven in a climate-neutral way.

Zum Video

Oldtimer excursion of the support association
We were on tour again

#fürfansvonfans

As we do every year, we organised an outing for our members. On 24 September, around 80 classic cars (175 participants) travelled to Germany's first leisure park.

The annual classic car excursion organised by the sponsoring association ran along charming roads and past the breathtaking vineyard landscapes of the Zabergau to the Tripsdrill adventure park.

The destination of the relaxed tour on 26 May 2024 is still a secret.

Science Fiction Convention
May the Force be with you always!

September 2023

The Science Fiction Treffen on 23 and 24 September in Speyer was simply fantastic - over 18,000 enthusiastic sci-fi fans made the pilgrimage to us. Their passion for this genre made this event something very special.

A galactic thank you goes above all to the exhibitors, retailers and of course to all the cosplayers who brought the world of science fiction to life here in Speyer.

We are already looking forward to the next Science Fiction Treffen and to sharing even more fantastic experiences and encounters with you. We'll see you again on 28 and 29 September.

The submarine is coming (part 8)
Everything was prepared, but then everything turned out differently.

Unser neues Exponat

Everything was ready to turn U17. The special turning device was successfully attached. However, it then became apparent that it would be possible to turn it, but only at the risk of damaging the submarine.

The big motorbike weekend
Classics, trikes and 2-strokes

September/Oktober 2023

On 30 September and 1 October, more than 8,000 motorbike enthusiasts from all over the world gathered on the open-air grounds in Sinsheim in glorious sunshine.

At the traditional big motorbike weekend, we celebrated the fascinating world of two-wheelers together: from historic treasures to gleaming modern models, everything was there!

In addition to the fantastic motorbikes, a wide range of gastronomic offerings catered for the physical well-being of the guests and the colourful dealer mile offered the opportunity to browse for motorbike accessories and merchandising. Our Wallofdeath.nl steep-wall riders and the freestylers from Rennleitung#110 impressed with daring stunts.

See you again on 5 and 6 October 2024.

Les Français
New special exhibition in Speyer

Neue Sonderausstellung in Speyer

As part of the Year of France, we will be presenting "Le Français - People, Motors and Architecture" in Speyer from the end of August. Until 29 February 2024, visitors will have the opportunity to experience a piece of French history in the heart of the cathedral city.

The Palatinate, a region of remarkable cultural diversity and historical significance, has maintained close ties with France over the centuries. The events of the 20th century in particular have left deep traces in the Palatinate, including in the Salian city of Speyer.

"Les Français - People, Motors and Architecture" invites visitors to find out more about everyday life in the then occupied city, take a look at French automotive technology and immerse themselves in the history of the museum site.

Since December, "Les Français" has been complemented by the exhibition "The Tenderness of the Absolute", a retrospective on Robert Opron organised by the "Amicale Robert Opron".

Experience tour U9
Downwards!

#fürfansvonfans

... was the motto of the U9 experience tours in Speyer on 7 and 8 October.

While our colleagues prepared everything for the U17 filming test, a few metres further on, members of the VDU e.V. guided young and old fans through the U9 submarine.

As soon as the new naval exhibit is here in Sinsheim, there will certainly also be guided tours of it.

The next dates in U9 will be on 12 and 13 October 2024.

John T. Essberger
These true heroes ...

#fürfansvonfans

bring their old workplace back to life once or twice a year.

The former crew of our sea rescue cruiser came together in Speyer on 21 October to check on their John T. Essberger, giving you the opportunity to get to know this magnificent exhibit from a completely different perspective.

The adventure tours take you into areas that are otherwise inaccessible. And the engine will also be started.

The submarine is coming (part 9) <
Prepare everything for an emergency

Unser neues Exponat

As the rollers of the turning device pressed against the submarine when turning, this pressure had to be optimally distributed over as large an area as possible. The loads on the individual frames had to be kept as low as possible, especially in the rear, heavier area of U17.

Our technicians, together with the freight forwarder Kübler and the manufacturer of the turning device, found a solution for this on site: a 3 cm thick load distribution band was placed around the colossus, acting as a kind of protector between the rollers and the boat.

This prevented deformation. In simple terms, this band can be imagined as a protective band around a cigar. The rollers then run on it during the turning process.

Pete Farnsworth & Ken McCarthy
... wanted to see "your car" one last time.

November 2023

At the beginning of November, two very special gentlemen paid us a visit: Pete Farnsworth, designer and constructor of THE BLUE FLAME, and Ken McCarthy, mechanic of what was once the fastest rocket-powered vehicle in the world.

The now 86- and 78-year-olds travelled all the way from the USA to see "their car" live one last time. More than half a century ago, mechanics and designers combined their talents to create THE BLUE FLAME.

It was an emotional reunion with an old friend that holds a special place in the hearts of those who were involved in its creation. They are happy to know that their little treasure is in good hands and were thrilled to see how many visitors are still interested in its impressive development.

Pete, Ken: We will continue to look after her very well, we promise!

15 years „Apollo and Beyond“
With over 1,000 visitors ...

On 11 November, we celebrated the 15th anniversary of our "Apollo and Beyond" area - Europe's largest exhibition on manned space travel with the Soviet space shuttle Buran prototype OK-GLI. We received active support for the supporting programme from two well-known personalities: ESA astronauts Ulf Merbold and Matthias Maurer. We have already welcomed both space travellers to Speyer on several occasions.

On this day, the gentlemen celebrated their own personal anniversaries. Ulf Merbold, astronaut of the first generation, flew the "Spacelab" exhibited in the museum on its maiden flight 40 years ago, while Matthias Maurer, astronaut of the third generation, launched his ISS mission exactly two years to the day before the event in Speyer. On this Saturday, both gave exciting talks about their varied space missions.

Beforehand, Matthias Maurer opened the exhibition area dedicated to him in the space hall. The ESA astronaut gave us 22 exhibits from his mission in space. From now on, two photomontages with the SpaceX Crew-3 patch and ISS-66 patch flown on them, a thermal mini headband (a headband used as part of an experiment in space), special SpaceX full-body underwear worn during launch and landing, three different tinned meals with recipes from Saarland and Maurer's Christmas sock labelled "Matthias" are on display in the museum. All of the exhibits mentioned have "flown", i.e. they have been in space.

Winter modelling day
Winter miniature dreams in Speyer ...

November 2023

On Sunday, 19 November, the Speyer Association for the Aviation History of the Palatinate (VFLP e.V.) hosted its third Winter Model Building Day in Speyer.

There were moving real steam locomotives, numerous handmade model masterpieces, craft activities and, for the first time, model car races and shining children's eyes.

The next time there will be a winter flair in the Space Hall on 16 and 17 November 2024 (in combination with the International Gauge 1 Meeting).

The submarine is coming (part 10)
When vision becomes reality

Unser neues Exponat

As if on order, the sun shone out from behind the clouds on this Tuesday morning as our workshop crew and employees of Spedition Kübler GmbH successfully completed the turning of the submarine U-17.