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Otto-von-Guericke Museum: A Tribute to Science and Innovation

Explore the life and scientific legacy of Otto von Guericke at Magdeburg's interactive science museum.

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Housed in the historic Lukasklause, the Otto-von-Guericke Museum celebrates the life and groundbreaking work of Otto von Guericke, the famed 17th-century scientist and mayor of Magdeburg. Visitors can explore exhibits detailing his invention of the vacuum pump and his famous Magdeburg hemispheres experiment, along with other contributions to science and Magdeburg's reconstruction after the Thirty Years' War.

A brief summary to Otto-von-Guericke-Museum

  • Wednesday 11 am-3 pm
  • Thursday 11 am-3 pm
  • Friday 11 am-3 pm

Local tips

  • Check the Otto-von-Guericke-Stiftung website for current opening hours, as they can vary seasonally.
  • The museum is particularly engaging for those interested in science, physics, and the history of invention.
  • The museum is wheelchair accessible, with an elevator and accessible restrooms.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Otto-von-Guericke Museum is accessible via Magdeburg's tram network. The nearest tram stop is Askanischer Platz. From there, it's a short walk to the Lukasklause, located on Schleinufer 1. A single tram ticket costs approximately €2.50.

  • Walking

    From Magdeburg city center, such as the Alter Markt, the Otto-von-Guericke Museum is a pleasant walk along the Elbe River. Follow the signs towards the Petriförder area. The Lukasklause is situated on Schleinufer, directly on the riverfront. The walk is approximately 15-20 minutes.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Magdeburg. A short taxi ride from the Magdeburg Hauptbahnhof (main train station) to the Otto-von-Guericke Museum will cost approximately €10-€15, depending on traffic.

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Discover more about Otto-von-Guericke-Museum

The Otto-von-Guericke Museum, located in the Lukasklause, is dedicated to preserving the legacy of Otto von Guericke (1602-1686), a renowned scientist, inventor, and long-serving mayor of Magdeburg. The museum showcases his remarkable achievements in the realm of physics and his significant role in Magdeburg's history. The Lukasklause itself is a historical landmark. Its origins trace back to the Welschen Turm, a part of Magdeburg's medieval fortifications first documented in 1279. In 1631, imperial troops stormed the city near this tower, causing widespread devastation. Otto von Guericke, then an engineer in Swedish service, oversaw the reconstruction of the city's defenses, including the tower. In 1900, the St. Lukas artists' association acquired the tower and added an extension, renaming it Lukasklause in 1904. Since 1995, the Lukasklause has been home to the Otto-von-Guericke Museum. The museum's exhibits include historical devices, images, and documents that illustrate Guericke's life and work. Visitors can witness demonstrations of his experiments, including the famous Magdeburg hemispheres experiment, which demonstrated the power of atmospheric pressure. The museum also features a re-creation of Guericke's study, providing insight into his working environment. The museum is wheelchair accessible.

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