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Thirst for knowledge and enlightenment

The Physics Cabinet of the University of Würzburg

05.06.2025 - 07.03.2026 ,
Bayerisches Nationalmuseum (Bavarian National Museum)

Special features:
Museum café.
Accessibility
partly accessible
Opening Times
Closed today
Address
Prinzregentenstraße 3
80538 München
Contact

The 18th century was the Age of Enlightenment, in which the natural sciences flourished as never before. Scientific instruments supported teaching at universities and helped a broad public to understand the laws of nature.
Around 50 magnificent works from the Physics Cabinet of the University of Würzburg, which have been in our museum since 1877, are now on display for the first time in over 100 years. The curious and beautiful objects from the 18th century make it easier to understand mechanics, hydraulics, optics, magnetism and electricity. Some of the pieces were part of the usual inventory of such collections, others are unique creations of the Würzburg scholars.
Entertaining videos, created by pupils from the Luitpold-Gymnasium in Munich, explain the functions of selected pieces.

Last edited on 10.02.2026

Additional information

Image gallery

View of the exhibition (opens enlarged image)
View of the exhibition © Bayerisches Nationalmuseum (Bavarian National Museum)
Assembled microscope on a base. (opens enlarged image)
Composite microscope, probably Johann Balthasar Oppelt, Ansbach, late 18th century, brass, glass, wood © Bayerisches Nationalmuseum (Bavarian National Museum)
Electrostatic toy featuring two wooden, gold-plated birds with a ring in their beaks sitting on columns of gals. (opens enlarged image)
Electrostatic toy, probably Würzburg, late 18th century, softwood, coloured, hardwood, partly gilded, glass, sealing wax, iron © Bayerisches Nationalmuseum (Bavarian National Museum)

Associated museum

Museum / Exhibition Centre: Bayerisches Nationalmuseum (Bavarian National Museum)

The Bayerisches Nationalmuseum (Bavarian National Museum) is one of the major European museums dedicated to both the fine arts and cultural history. The core area of the diverse holdings, which range...

Location: München