Images of Ballonmuseum Gersthofen
Ballonmuseum Gersthofen and its collection
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The Ballonmuseum Gersthofen, located in Gersthofen near Augsburg, holds the distinction of being the oldest balloon museum in the world. It is also recognized as one of the major German technology museums that is under purely municipal ownership. This unique combination of history and technology makes it a fascinating destination for visitors interested in the evolution of balloon technology and its impact on the world.
Foundation and Initial Setup of the Museum
Established in 1985, the Ballonmuseum Gersthofen was initially set up on five floors of the former Gersthofen water tower, providing around 150 m² of exhibition space. The museum's foundation is the aeronautics collection of the Augsburg balloonist Alfred Eckert. This collection provides a rich historical context for the museum and offers visitors a deep insight into the history of aeronautics.
Noteworthy Exhibits: The Gas Balloon Prototype
One of the particularly noteworthy exhibits of the Ballonmuseum Gersthofen is a replica of the gas balloon prototype. This balloon was used by Joseph Maximilian Freiherr von Lütgendorf in 1786 in an unsuccessful attempt to conquer the skies from Augsburg and Gersthofen. This exhibit provides a glimpse into the early attempts at manned balloon flight and the challenges faced by the pioneers of this technology.
Science & Technology History & Anthropology Aviation Industrial heritage