Materials surround us constantly, often unnoticed. They shape our cities, are in our devices, enable communication, mobility and progress. The perceived immateriality of the digital age stands in stark contrast to the material requirements necessary for its functioning: Never before in human history has the consumption of materials been as high as it is today, and never before have they been combined in such a sophisticated way.
The new permanent exhibition explores the diversity of materials that define our everyday lives in 13 themed islands covering 3,000 square metres. The exhibition shows how materials – from aluminium, concrete and plastics to rare earths and steel – are extracted or produced with great effort, and what ecological consequences their use entails. Traditional knowledge meets current research and innovative processes, which are increasingly focused on sustainability. Every material is part of a complex system. The exhibition visualises how closely materials are linked to social change and technological development.
One section of the exhibition also features the machine wall, which vividly demonstrates how materials are shaped. Forging, welding, milling, casting or pressing – each manufacturing technology gives a material its function and form. This is particularly evident in the case of the bicycle, where a wide range of processes come together. Whether a milled chainring, welded frame, forged pedal or injection-moulded plastic grips – each part is the result of a precise production step. The machine wall clearly demonstrates how closely production technology, material selection and design are interlinked – both in the past and today.
The new permanent exhibition Material Worlds engages visitors in a sensory, playful and highly up-to-date format through objects, media and interactive displays, showing what our world is made of.The new permanent exhibition, which will open in Spring 2025, explores the diversity of materials: 13 different themed islands convey their potential through objects, media and interactives. From the mining and extraction of the materials to production methods and their use – all presented in a playful, sensory and highly up-to-date format.
The new permanent exhibition explores the diversity of materials that define our everyday lives in 13 themed islands covering 3,000 square metres. The exhibition shows how materials – from aluminium, concrete and plastics to rare earths and steel – are extracted or produced with great effort, and what ecological consequences their use entails. Traditional knowledge meets current research and innovative processes, which are increasingly focused on sustainability. Every material is part of a complex system. The exhibition visualises how closely materials are linked to social change and technological development.
One section of the exhibition also features the machine wall, which vividly demonstrates how materials are shaped. Forging, welding, milling, casting or pressing – each manufacturing technology gives a material its function and form. This is particularly evident in the case of the bicycle, where a wide range of processes come together. Whether a milled chainring, welded frame, forged pedal or injection-moulded plastic grips – each part is the result of a precise production step. The machine wall clearly demonstrates how closely production technology, material selection and design are interlinked – both in the past and today.
The new permanent exhibition Material Worlds engages visitors in a sensory, playful and highly up-to-date format through objects, media and interactive displays, showing what our world is made of.The new permanent exhibition, which will open in Spring 2025, explores the diversity of materials: 13 different themed islands convey their potential through objects, media and interactives. From the mining and extraction of the materials to production methods and their use – all presented in a playful, sensory and highly up-to-date format.
Teenagers & Adults
Sponsors
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Partner of Technisches Museum Wien
Main Sponsor
Sponsors
Impressions
