Exhibits

A selection of the over 170 exciting exhibits you can explore at the Mathematikum

The strength of the Mathematikum is presenting scientific phenomenons in interactive, easy to use exhibits.

On over 1200 sq meters (~13.000 sq feet) you can access more than 170 experiments. You can solve puzzles, build bridges, see yourself mirrored to infinity, stand in a giant soap bubble, let two balls race and lots and lots more.

The Giant Soap Bubble

You always wanted to stand inside a giant soap bubble?
At this exhibit you get the chance to experience it - and en passant observe one of the most complex mathematical phenomenons.

 

The Foolery Mirror

You maybe haven't ever seen yourself like this!
Discover, why you do not want to look completely symmetrical - and how symmetry can make you and your friends laugh.

 

How Tall am I?

10110010?! - How tall are you in the digital world?
It is easy to measure your body height in binary - and you never need more than one piece of a kind.

 

All Straight, Though Curved

Is it possible to form something round using only straight wires?
This simple exhibit shows how easily many straight lines can form a curved surface.

 

Square Wheels

Can angled wheels roll?
Try the different wheel shapes. You will discover that not only round wheels can roll.

 

The Ball Machine

Upwards by an elevator and off they go!
As 24 balls make their way down on different routes you can lean back and enjoy the show.

 

Conic Sections

How does the surface of the blue liquid change?
Observe how the surface changes when modifying the position of the cone.

 

The Catenary

Architecture can be very easy – and still ingenious
Be an old master builder and create an arc that is delicate and extremely robust at the same time.

 

Euler’s Trails

Can you connect all points without going one way twice?
Looking very easy it gets more difficult if you try to solve all three paths.
Can you find out where to start?

 

Leonardo's Bridge

Can you construct a stable bridge using only simple bars?
Try to rebuild Leonardo da Vinci’s construction and create a solid bridge without nails, glue or other tools.

 

The Monochord

How do music and mathematics connect?
Even the old Greek knew that "nice" tones follow certain patterns - you can hear whether a proportion is "smooth" or not.

 

Nautilus

Did you know how much math there is under the sea level?
The Nautilus spiral is "living mathematics", as its shell is constructed logarithmic. Besides it shows how beautiful the forms of nature can be.

 

Pentomino Calendar

A very special calendar!
Try to place the seven pieces consisting of five squares so that today´s date appears. A new challenge every day.

 

Pi

Have you ever seen a number with so many decimal places?
Get to know the number Pi. A number still holding a lot of secrets.

 

Polydron

What can you built from triangles, squares and other geometric shapes?
Set your creativity free and create different figures, solids and other objects.

 

Giant Kaleidoscope

Would you like to see yourself infinitely in the mirror?
This giant kaleidoscope makes it possible for you. At the front, at the back, everywhere - wherever you look you only see yourself!

 

Tubes and Tones

The sound depends on the length
The world of numbers and the world of music lie closer than one might think. Perk up your ears and wonder, as you can hear mathematics when listening at tubes of different length.

 

The Story of the Chess Board

What does double really mean?
This experiment tells you the old story of the chess board’s inventor. It is impressive what happened as his wage, consisting of rice, was doubled over and over again.

 

The Giant Kaleidocycle

A large ring that can be turned inside out
A ring made of firmly connected parts that can be turned around itself? It was only found out in 1958 that such a thing is possible.

 

The Hovering Ball

Nothing fishy over here
Even if it first looks like magic, there is an explanation why the ball seems to be hovering weightlessly through the air.

 

Do All These Fit Into the Cube?

How can I giftwrap a pyramid or a star?
It's very easy – just put it into a glass cube! Enjoy the eye opening moment when everything finally fits.

 

Soap Films

Discover beautiful forms you would not foresee
Immerse different frames into soapy water- you will be fascinated by the soap film's shapes.