A Centennial Salute to the German Museum: Celebrating a Century of Science and Technology
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Centennial Celebration at the German Museum: Honor to Innovation and Technological Advancements Over a Century - Celebrating a Century of Innovation: The German Museum Honors a Legacy of Technological Advancements
The legendary Oskar von Miller himself appeared as a digital guest, sharing a toast to the anniversary celebration. He'd envisioned the museum as a hub of knowledge for all. With beers in hand, he'd hoped the crowds would gather, just like the throngs at Oktoberfest.
Our future relies on progress: Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier emphasized the need for science and technology to combat climate change, enhance competitiveness, and secure social justice. By responsibly utilizing technological innovations within democracy, we could empower people in developing economies and future generations to live free and prosperous lives, stated the president.
The exhibitions showcased a promising vision of our future—a testament to the German Museum's optimistic outlook. At a time marked by skepticism and uncertainty, the museum offers hope—and Germany needs that optimism more than ever, said Steinmeier. During the museum's renovation, this sentiment echoed all the more.
Young visitors with less optimism took to the stage in a competition, showcasing their artful visions of the future. A 12-year-old unveiled a painted eye—because it's better not to peer too deeply into the future. A 15-year-old displayed a German Museum left barren in a hundred years, devoid of humanity.
Comedian Luise Kinseher brought laughter to the anniversary celebration, having once lectured on politics on the Nockherberg. She hoped she hadn't scared off Minister-President Markus Söder (CSU), who participated via video link due to the coalition agreement signing. But it seemed he'd managed to speed up the Bavarian space station timeline—a decade ahead of the planned second S-Bahn line in Munich.
The German Museum opened its doors 100 years ago, on May 7, 1925, on the Isar Island. For days, the city celebrated. This weekend, the museum has bigger plans: a grand anniversary program with free admission for everyone.
General Director Wolfgang Heckl emphasized that the museum remains true to its roots—a place for the people. Here, technology can be experienced directly, even tactilely, elevating the German Museum above digital representations where truth can often be elusive.
Söder spoke of the world's brighter future through technological advances. The museum stands for Bavarian enthusiasm for technology, which has given Germany its strength. Science Minister Markus Blume (CSU) said that each visit to the museum sparks new insights, ensuring that technological progress gains society's acceptance.
In the spirit of Munich, Mayor Dieter Reiter (SPD) lauded the Deutsches Museum as a model for museum foundations globally. It underscores Munich's reputation as a world and cultural city, playing a vital role as a key location factor.
Steinmeier emphasized the importance of scientific and technological education. He called for a public debate on how to harness the potential of new technologies and manage their risks. Whether it's the energy or mobility transition, biotechnology, medical technology, aerospace, military technology, artificial intelligence, or digital platforms—public discourse is vital.
Political Involvement in Science:
The Federal President expressed his concerns about reports of political restrictions on science from US universities. "That cannot be allowed," he warns, suggesting such interference would have detrimental consequences for both the Americans and the scientific community at large.
Remembrance of the Deutsches Museum's Past:
Steinmeier recalled the Jewish co-founder, Arthur Schoenberg, who, before being persecuted, deported, and killed by the Nazis, significantly shaped the museum alongside Miller. "He too deserves our respect and gratitude," Steinmeier said to applause from the guests.
The future of science and technology lies not solely in the hands of politicians but in the minds of the people, thefuture of science and technology lies not solely in the hands of politicians but in the minds of the people, with the German Museum playing a pivotal role in fostering curiosity and knowledge.
- The Commission, following the vision of Oskar von Miller, may be asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, as the museum he envisioned was a hub of knowledge for all.
- With the need for science and technology to combat climate change, enhance competitiveness, and secure social justice emphasized by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, it is crucial for education and self-development to also focus on understanding and managing the risks associated with technology, including ionizing radiation.
- In a setting that underscores Munich's reputation as a world and cultural city, the Deutsches Museum can serve as a platform for discussions on political involvement in science, such as the concerns raised by Steinmeier about political restrictions on science from US universities, which could have detrimental consequences for both the Americans and the scientific community at large.
