MAN-Museum

Why is a museum in Augsburg telling the story of a company from Nuremberg? The MAN-Museum, housed in the former research center of Maschinenfabrik Augsburg-Nürnberg (M.A.N.), answers this question and more. It reveals the intertwined history of a company and its innovations. While the name M.A.N. might seem to belong to Nuremberg, its roots are firmly planted in Augsburg. The story begins in 1840 with the establishment of Sandersche Maschinen Fabrik in this very city. This laid the groundwork for what would become a giant in German engineering. The museum doesn’t shy away from the complexities of mergers and acquisitions. In 1920, M.A.N. was absorbed by Gutehoffnungshütte (GHH), a company that originated in Oberhausen in 1758. This fusion brought together diverse expertise, propelling M.A.N. to the forefront of printing press and diesel engine technology. Within the museum’s walls, you’ll find tangible evidence of this legacy. A flatbed printing press from 1846 stands as a testament to M.A.N.’s early ventures into printing technology. The museum also highlights a pivotal chapter in engineering history: the invention of the diesel engine. Rudolf Diesel himself conducted groundbreaking research in the company’s Augsburg workshops between 1893 and 1897. His first test engine, a relic of revolutionary engineering, is a star attraction at the MAN-Museum. The museum’s collection extends beyond these landmark inventions. You’ll find a fascinating display of trucks dating back to 1921, tractors from 1951, and an array of printing presses, couplings, and transmissions. Photographs offer glimpses into power stations and ships powered by M.A.N. technology, illustrating the company’s far-reaching impact. The MAN-Museum paints a vivid picture of industrial progress and innovation, forever linking the name M.A.N. to the city of Augsburg.