Light and matter: Experience quantum phenomena up close in the German Museum!

Light and matter: Experience quantum phenomena up close in the German Museum!

The special exhibition “Light and Matter” opens in the Deutsches Museum on August 6, 2025, which is part of the Cluster of Excellence Munich Center for Quantum Science and Technology (MCQST). The exhibition aims to make quantum phenomena understandable for young people and offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the fascinating world of light and its properties. Especially in the morning, numerous school classes stream into the entrance area of ​​the museum, while at the same time a group of students take part in further training on science communication.

Paula García-Mochales, master's student in the Quantum Science & Technology program at the Technical University of Munich, emphasizes the importance of public relations in research. She emphasizes that the complexity of quantum physics must be made understandable in order to arouse the interest of young people.

Interactive experiences and experiments

Visitors to the exhibition can experience first hand how the famous double slit experiment creates an interference pattern and thus raises fundamental questions about the nature of light. Light is explained as both an electromagnetic wave and a particle, and the invisible spectra such as infrared and UV are discussed. The term “quantum” refers to the smallest unit of energy transfer and forms the basis of the entire exhibition.

Another exciting area is dedicated to spectroscopy, which provides a deep insight into the structure of atoms and molecules. This research instrument was instrumental in deepening the understanding of atoms and molecules in the early 20th century and splits light into its individual wavelengths.

Technological developments and historical exhibits

The third section of the exhibition shows the development path from maser to laser and presents historical exhibits, including original parts of Theodore Maiman's first laser from 1960. A recreated scene from the James Bond film "Goldfinger", which focuses on laser technology, can also be viewed. This variety of interactive hands-on stations and scenarios makes the experience unique.

The exhibition is spread over an area of ​​250 square meters and offers, above all, young people who are interested in science the opportunity to deal with the topics of complex quantum physics and its everyday applications. In addition to 86 objects, 24 demonstrations and 5 media stations, 6 models and 6 scenarios show the dynamic interaction between light and matter. Visitors are even “transformed” into photons to further deepen their understanding of the quantum world.

An important goal of the MCQST is the development of new quantum technologies, such as quantum computers and tap-proof communication. The MCQST cooperates with respected partners, including the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, the Technical University of Munich as well as the Max Planck Institute for Quantum Optics, the Walther Meißner Institute and the German Museum.

The exhibition “Light and Matter” can be viewed until the end of 2025 and deals with the quantum physics of light up to the present day. The changing understanding of light and matter over the last century is impressively presented and offers both experts and the general public a deeper insight into a fascinating field of research.

Visit for more information TUM, muenchen.de and deutsches-museum.de.