Ideas and visions

MUSEUM

Every Great Achievement is a Collective Effort

Milestones in Space Travel. The Fascination of Flight.The fascination of flight.

The legacy of Dornier reflects visions of the future. Even today, entrepreneurial spirit, creativity, and foresight remain the key drivers of scientific progress. That is why this exhibition offers far more than the preservation and documentation of Dornier’s achievements. It brings 100 years of thrilling aviation and space history to life. It captivates with extraordinary architecture and unique exhibits, engages visitors through diverse events and special guided tours. Experience the history of aviation and space travel from a personal perspective. Gain insights into political, economic, and social contexts within a historical framework. Discover Dornier’s most significant innovations in environmental, defense, and medical technology.

The Fascination of Flight: Numerous historic aircraft, including legendary classics such as the Do 27, the vertical take-off Do 31, and the Merkur, can be admired up close.

Venturing into Space: Parts of an original Spacelab and a walk-through solar system bring the stars within reach for visitors.

"Can we accept that everything created by Dornier over nearly a century—on which so many people worked with great dedication—simply disappears?"
Silvius Dornier, Initiator of the Museum

Image brochure of the Dornier Museum Friedrichshafen.

 

A place for cultural exchange

A Meeting point for culture, education, and politics

The Dornier Museum Friedrichshafen aims to inspire, stimulate, and, through the exchange of diverse perspectives, not only convey values but also provide new impulses. The constructions, projects, specific working methods, and corporate principles that made Dornier famous find their counterparts today in many other pioneering companies.

Through lectures and symposia, the museum does not only look back but actively engages in dialogue with the pioneers of today and tomorrow.

"I hope that the museum, with its ever-growing, dynamic collection, will become a cultural place of encounter and exchange—a meeting point for all those who wish to learn from the past and face the challenges and opportunities of the future."
Silvius Dornier

 

Driving new visions

Inspiring young people for technology - together

At the Dornier Museum Friedrichshafen, experience and learning come together in an exciting way. Through selected exhibits, children and young people immerse themselves in the history of Dornier, witness the breakthrough into the third dimension, and explore the conquest of space.

By engaging actively with our museum education team—through questions, exploration, critical thinking, and creative activities—young visitors do more than just absorb facts. They develop creativity, a spirit of discovery, and historical awareness. Looking at the past helps them learn for the world of tomorrow, as shaping the future requires new ideas and fresh perspectives.

The museum serves as an extracurricular learning space where interdisciplinary connections between technology, history, and innovation are fostered through hands-on experiences. Creativity and the courage to explore new paths defined the life and work of Claude Dornier. He constantly embraced new challenges—whether in aircraft construction, textile production, or system technology. For the Dornier Museum Friedrichshafen, creativity and historical awareness are therefore essential educational objectives.

Through our approach, children and young people not only enhance their creativity but also strengthen their perception, communication skills, and ability to think in interconnected ways.