Ballonmuseum Gersthofen

Gliding through the air, a majestic balloon catches the light. It symbolizes the heart of the Ballonmuseum Gersthofen. Here in Gersthofen, the spirit of ballooning comes alive. The Ballonmuseum Gersthofen stands as a testament to this history. It’s the oldest balloon museum in the world. Originally housed in the former Gersthofen water tower, the museum expanded in 2003. A new building now complements the tower. Both sections are connected by a lower level. This creates a fascinating journey through the history of ballooning. The museum shares its space with the city library. Together they form a vibrant cultural center. The Ballonmuseum Gersthofen holds a unique collection. It explores everything from the earliest days of ballooning in Germany to the use of balloons in science and the military. The museum chronicles triumphs and disasters. It shows how the “balloon” conquered the world. A key exhibit is the replica of the gas balloon prototype. Baron von Lütgendorf attempted to become the first German balloonist in 1786. He launched from Augsburg and Gersthofen, but unfortunately, he failed. The museum’s new building was designed around this very balloon. Its elaborate, ship-shaped Renaissance gondola is a sight to behold. Another fascinating piece is located on the first floor. It’s the spherical pressure capsule of Auguste Piccard’s balloon. From Augsburg in 1931, Piccard successfully set a stratospheric altitude record of 15,785 meters. The Ballonmuseum Gersthofen isn’t just about static displays. The museum also operates the D-ODMA museum balloon, actively keeping the tradition of ballooning alive. The museum’s collection represents a remarkable journey through the history of ballooning. It ends with the invention of the tethered kite balloon by August von Parseval around 1901. With original artifacts and interactive stations, the Ballonmuseum Gersthofen brings the history of ballooning to life. It invites visitors on a journey of discovery through the skies.