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Mathematical models: Tours at TU Dresden offer exciting insights!
The TU Dresden invites employees and students to the “Collection over Lunch” event series in the summer semester of 2025 to gain insights into their collections.
Mathematical models: Tours at TU Dresden offer exciting insights!
On April 10, 2025, the Custody of the Technical University of Dresden (TUD) will continue the popular “Collection over Lunch” series. This series of events takes place on the second Thursday of every month at 12 noon in the university's collection rooms. The target group includes not only employees and students of the university, but also the interested public. TU Dresden reports that participants receive short tours through the collections, which offer exciting insights into the diversity of the university.
As part of the 2025 summer semester, the first event will present the “Collection of Mathematical Models” today. One of the main focuses of the program, which shows the closer connection between theory and practical application in mathematics.
The collection of mathematical models
The Collection of Mathematical Models at TUD is an important teaching collection that was founded in 1849. The collection is located in the Willersbau of the Faculty of Mathematics at Zellerscher Weg 12-14 in Dresden. The collection specializes in science and technology, particularly in the areas of geometry and mathematics. It includes over 400 registered objects made from materials such as wood, plaster, cardboard, wire, metal and silk. University collections reported that historical objects such as plaster models from 1877 and thread models are important parts of this collection.
The collection has an eventful history. After the main building was destroyed in February 1945, only some of the objects could be saved. Nevertheless, the collection was gradually expanded, brought together in a makeshift manner and has belonged to the Institute of Geometry again since 1995. These models are used in both school and university teaching to clearly convey complex geometric concepts.
Didactic significance and historical roots
Mathematical models have a long tradition at universities. Their first traces of use date back to the 18th century. Today their value is recognized in many natural and technological disciplines. Additional information from university collections show that the heyday of these models was in the last third of the 19th century. Eminent mathematicians such as Felix Klein and Alexander von Brill have advocated for the use of these models and highlighted their potential to advance understanding.
Although interest in mathematical models declined after World War I, it experienced a revival in the late 20th century thanks to new technologies such as computer graphics and 3D printing. New three-dimensional objects were created at TUD that support modern teaching and research.
The collection objects presented in the events not only provide an insight into the historical production of teaching materials and models, but also show the current use and relevance of these materials. Those interested can contact Else Schlegel from the TU Dresden Custody, Collections & Conference Organization, for further information.