Counting machines gallery
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Arithmeum Bonn

4.8
·215 reviews·Bonn, Germany

Explore thousands of calculating machines, from ancient abacuses to early computers, in this unique interactive museum.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more exploration time

CrowdLow
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Counting machines gallery

Arithmeum Bonn

Best Time

Sunday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more exploration time

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore thousands of calculating machines, from ancient abacuses to early computers, in this unique interactive museum.

4.8
(215 reviews)

"Perhaps one of the best museums in Germany. No trip to Bonn is complete without a visit to the Arithmeum."

Vertical photo
TIP

Start from the Top ⬆️

Begin your journey on the top floor and work your way down for a chronological exploration of calculating history.

Embrace Hands-On Fun :handshake:

Don white gloves and freely interact with many of the machines for a truly engaging experience.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Calculator Wall

The Calculator Wall

Ground Floor

A vibrant display of modern calculating devices, offering a glimpse into the evolution of computation.

Mechanical Computing Machines

Mechanical Computing Machines

Upper Floors

Marvel at intricate gears and levers of historical calculators and computing devices from bygone eras.

Ancient Calculating Instruments

Ancient Calculating Instruments

Top Floor

Explore the origins of calculation with abacuses and other early mathematical tools.

Art and Science Fusion

Art and Science Fusion

Throughout the museum

Admire modern paintings in corridors and rooms, creating a unique blend of art and scientific history.

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Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Visit to Arithmeum

Discover the fascinating history of calculation at the Arithmeum in Bonn. This unique museum showcases thousands of calculating machines, from ancient abacuses to early electronic devices. Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the four floors of interactive exhibits and historical artifacts. Consider starting from the top floor and working your way down for a logical progression through time.

Tickets & What to Expect

Admission to the Arithmeum is very affordable, with individual tickets costing around 3 EUR and family tickets being a great value at 8 EUR. Note that cash payments are preferred. You'll be provided with white gloves to allow for a hands-on experience with many of the exhibits, encouraging interaction with the historical machines. Lockers are available for backpacks, though they can be narrow.

Best Times

When
Sunday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more exploration time
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Quieter experience for deep dives
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

A fully mechanical binary calculator in the Arithmeum in Bonn, Germany.

Start from the Top ⬆️

Begin your journey on the top floor and work your way down for a chronological exploration of calculating history. Reddit

Embrace Hands-On Fun :handshake:

Don white gloves and freely interact with many of the machines for a truly engaging experience. Reddit

reddit.com

Reccomendations for Bonn

reddit.com

German Math Tourism?

Allocate Ample Time :clock1:

Don't rush! You might spend 3-4 hours here if you're a math enthusiast. Reddit

Cash is King :money_with_wings:

Be prepared to pay your entry fee in cash, as card payments may not be accepted. Reddit

reddit.com

Going to Europe: What math history museums/landmarks to see in London, Paris & Rome?

Tips

from all over the internet

Start from the Top ⬆️

Begin your journey on the top floor and work your way down for a chronological exploration of calculating history. Reddit

Embrace Hands-On Fun :handshake:

Don white gloves and freely interact with many of the machines for a truly engaging experience. Reddit

Allocate Ample Time :clock1:

Don't rush! You might spend 3-4 hours here if you're a math enthusiast. Reddit

Cash is King :money_with_wings:

Be prepared to pay your entry fee in cash, as card payments may not be accepted. Reddit

English Info Available :uk:

Leaflets and explanations are available in English, making it accessible for international visitors. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(215 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the Arithmeum Bonn for its unique and fascinating collection of calculating machines, offering a journey through computational history. The interactive nature of the exhibits, where visitors can handle historical devices, is a major highlight. It's praised for being educational, engaging for all ages, and incredibly affordable, making it a standout museum experience.

"The exhibition themed on computing technics from ancient era and early days of mechanical computing machines in modern era before the electronic calculator introduced.
Well preserved machines or their replica are interesting for all the ages particularly of the young mind. Ticket cost very little."

samir kumar nath

"Awesome and fascinating. Very well displayed, great staff , self explanatory books available in english as well. It is 4 floors, if you are curious to see how arithmatic was done in the past, you will spend a lot of time.

A must visit. Not very expensive, 8 euros family ticket, and individual 3 euros"

Chayashree Pathak

"Perhaps one of the best museums in Germany. No trip to Bonn is complete without a visit to the Arithmeum - so much to tickle your brain with - from interactive lectures on ancient computers to absolutely thrilling historical calculators which, if I had discovered earlier, may have saved me from dropping out of a mathematics degree.

Staff were incredibly kind and well-read. Getting around all the exhibitions can be a bit confusing - start from the very top and working your way down the stairs is the best way for getting about it though!

I'd recommend spending a few hours here - I was hoping to only spend an hour at most, but ended up spending ~3-4 hours since there was simply so much to do (it's especially interesting for mathematicians/academics).

I was hoping to bump into Peter Scholze but unfortunately had no luck. Maybe next time!"

Avesta

What People Like

Unique collection of machines
Interactive exhibits
Affordable entry fee

What People Dislike

Narrow lockers
Cash only payment

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Arithmeum is located in Bonn, Germany. It's accessible via public transport. Many visitors arrive by tram or bus, with stops conveniently located near the museum. If driving, check for local parking options, though public transport is often recommended for ease. Reddit

Yes, the Arithmeum is generally easy to find within Bonn. It's situated in a central area, and following signs for the University of Bonn, where it's affiliated, can help guide you. Reddit

For a day trip to Bonn, consider taking a train to Bonn Hauptbahnhof (main station) and then using local trams or buses to reach the Arithmeum. This is often the most efficient and stress-free method. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Opening hours can vary, so it's always best to check the official Arithmeum website before your visit. Generally, it's open during typical museum hours, often closed on Mondays. Reddit

Admission is very affordable. Individual tickets are around 3 EUR, and a family ticket is approximately 8 EUR. This makes it a budget-friendly attraction. Reddit

While some museums offer online booking, it's advisable to check the Arithmeum's official website for the most current ticketing information. Cash payment is often preferred for entry. Reddit

For most visits, especially outside of peak times, booking in advance might not be necessary. However, if you're visiting with a large group or during a special event, it's wise to inquire. Reddit

Yes, there are discounts available, particularly for families. The family ticket offers excellent value. Check for potential student or senior discounts as well. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The Arithmeum features four floors of exhibits showcasing the history of calculating machines, from ancient abacuses to early electronic computers. Many exhibits are interactive, allowing you to touch and try them out. There's also an art gallery integrated into the museum. Reddit

Absolutely! The museum is highly interactive. You'll be given white gloves to handle many of the historical calculating machines and try them out, offering a unique hands-on learning experience. Reddit

Most visitors recommend spending at least 2-3 hours, and enthusiasts or mathematicians might easily spend 3-4 hours exploring the extensive collection and interactive elements. Reddit

Yes, the Arithmeum is considered suitable and fascinating for children, especially those with a curious mind. The interactive nature of the exhibits makes learning fun and engaging for younger visitors. Reddit

Currently, there are no audio or video guides available. However, explanations are provided next to exhibits, and staff are on hand to answer questions. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The Arithmeum does not typically have an on-site cafe or restaurant. Visitors are advised to explore the many dining options available in the surrounding Bonn area after their visit. Reddit

It's generally recommended not to bring outside food and drinks into museum exhibits to protect the historical artifacts. There are lockers available for storing belongings. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is usually permitted for personal use, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions, especially regarding flash photography, which might be prohibited to protect the exhibits. Reddit

The 'calculator wall' on the ground floor offers a visually striking backdrop. The intricate details of the mechanical calculators on the upper floors also make for fascinating photographs. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Arithmeum is a fantastic choice for families looking for an educational and engaging outing. The interactive exhibits are a major draw, allowing children to actively participate and learn by doing. Providing white gloves encourages them to touch and operate historical machines, making the experience memorable and fun. Reddit

Start your visit on the top floor to follow the chronological journey of calculation. The 'calculator wall' on the ground floor is also a hit with younger visitors, offering a colorful and modern display. While there's no dedicated play area, the hands-on nature of most exhibits keeps children entertained and curious for hours. The affordable ticket prices make it an accessible option for a family day out. Reddit

🤓 Math Enthusiasts & Academics

For those with a background or deep interest in mathematics, the Arithmeum is an absolute must-visit. The sheer volume and historical significance of the calculating machines on display are unparalleled. You'll find everything from early mechanical marvels to precursors of modern computers, offering a deep dive into the evolution of computational thought. Reddit

Be prepared to spend a significant amount of time here – many reviewers mention spending 3-4 hours or even more, especially if you delve into the details of how each machine operates. The staff are often noted as being knowledgeable and kind, adding to the enriching experience. The museum's affiliation with the University of Bonn also hints at its academic depth. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

The Arithmeum is incredibly budget-friendly, making it an excellent option for travelers watching their expenses. With individual tickets costing around 3 EUR and family tickets at just 8 EUR, it offers exceptional value for the experience provided. Reddit

This low entry fee allows you to immerse yourself in a unique museum without a significant financial commitment. Combine your visit with exploring other free or low-cost attractions in Bonn to create a full day of affordable exploration. Remember to bring cash, as card payments may not be accepted for entry. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Evolution of Calculation

The Arithmeum Bonn offers a captivating journey through the history of calculation, spanning millennia. The museum's four floors are meticulously organized to guide visitors chronologically, starting with ancient tools and progressing to the dawn of electronic computing. This historical progression allows for a deep understanding of how human ingenuity has continuously sought more efficient ways to compute. Reddit

Visitors begin their exploration on the top floor, encountering abacuses and other early mathematical instruments that laid the groundwork for complex calculations. As you descend, you'll encounter increasingly sophisticated mechanical devices, including intricate slide rules and early adding machines with complex gear systems. The museum excels at showcasing these machines not just as artifacts, but as functional tools that shaped commerce, science, and daily life. Reddit

The ground floor brings you into the modern era, featuring the impressive 'calculator wall' and interactive displays on 19th, 20th, and 21st-century computing. This section highlights the transition from mechanical to electronic computation, including early computers and microchips. The Arithmeum's commitment to making these concepts accessible, even for those without a strong math background, is a key part of its appeal. Reddit

Hands-On Learning and Interaction

One of the most celebrated aspects of the Arithmeum is its emphasis on interactive exhibits. Upon entry, visitors are often provided with white gloves, a clear signal that touching and operating the historical machines is not only allowed but encouraged. This hands-on approach transforms the museum from a passive viewing experience into an active exploration. Reddit

Imagine turning the cranks on an old mechanical calculator or manipulating the beads of an abacus – these are the kinds of experiences that make the Arithmeum so memorable. The museum provides clear explanations for how each machine works, allowing visitors to grasp the underlying principles of arithmetic and computation. This direct engagement fosters a deeper appreciation for the ingenuity behind these devices. Reddit

This interactive philosophy extends to the modern exhibits as well, with games and displays designed to engage visitors with contemporary computing concepts. The blend of historical artifacts and modern interactive elements ensures that there's something to captivate every age group and level of technical understanding. Reddit

The Artful Connection: Science and Art

Beyond its core focus on mathematics and computing, the Arithmeum boasts a unique characteristic: it also functions as a significant art gallery. Modern paintings adorn the corridors and rooms throughout the museum, creating an unexpected yet harmonious fusion of art and science. This integration is not accidental; it reflects a deliberate effort to showcase the aesthetic beauty that can be found within scientific and mathematical concepts. Reddit

The vibrant and intriguing artworks provide a colorful counterpoint to the often intricate and mechanical nature of the calculating machines. This juxtaposition enhances the overall atmosphere of the museum, making it a visually stimulating environment. It encourages visitors to see the connections between different fields of human creativity and intellect. Reddit

This dual nature of the Arithmeum—part historical museum, part art gallery—offers a richer and more multi-faceted experience. It appeals to a broader audience, drawing in those interested in art as well as those fascinated by the history of technology and mathematics. The result is a truly unique and inspiring cultural destination. Reddit

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