MTU Aero Engines

A museum full of innovations. From yesterday. And for tomorrow. Revolutionary. Unique. And anything but dusty.

When a company has been an international driving-force for over 75 years, then it definitely has some tales to tell. About the history of propulsion for our world of mobility and progress. This is why MTU decided in 2008 to convert an historic production hall on company grounds into a modern factory museum with a three-fold use: Museum exhibitions, events and presentations. A very special project. And the reason why VRPE came into play as a reliable partner. An important practical requirement was also part of the deal - uncomplicated delivery and removal of constantly changing and sometimes very large exhibit pieces.

A visitor concept was developed in accordance with the corporate design to wow all target groups: Employees, job applicants, customers, partners and shareholders. Even the public at large profits from this special type of spacial communication: During a "long night at the museum" curious individuals flocked to the premises in droves. Brand staging the way it's supposed to be done: With tradition and vision you can touch.

Conception

A dream: Create a museum. A site of knowledge, history and fascination. A museum housing both unique items of historical significance as well as models of the future – both virtually close enough to touch – and the contents conveyed in a manner that is educational, exciting and comprehensible – those were the cornerstones of our conception. Flexibility was also very important: the customer wanted a spacial concept for multiple uses: as a museum, event location and for presentations. And it had to be practical: when exhibition pieces had to be loaned out for trade shows or new exhibits delivered, the logistics had to function problem-free.

We provided new inspiration to the current event concept and added additional accents: it had to be emotional. And at the same time, it had to offer depths of information and facts unknown until that time. Our resources: Technology, handcraft, aesthetics. The historic building was completely gutted and modernized, which brought with it several restrictions for the conception. But at the end of the day, it all came together: The museum can be accessed from two sides and enables the continuous rotation of the exhibits. The lighting concept is captivating and the visitor guidance ensures a stay with an experience filled with oh's and ah's. Suitable for the brand, in compliance with the other forms of corporate communication.

Development

We used room dividers and ceiling suspensions to realize the flexible, open spacial concept. The built-in display cases ensure a noble museum look and also act as room dividers – transparent and light-giving.

We installed a colored guidance system on the floor that guides visitors through the museum: by the original jet engines and futuristic models. Traveling through the technical past and future of MTU, which has been a pioneer since the dawn of aviation. The development stages of jet engine history are arranged similar to a time line that guides you through the museum like an oscillating belt and combines all elements of the exhibition into one large image of the development. The key visual also developed by us structures the space, the facade and the wall surfaces graphically. Discrete yet ubiquitous. The visitor moves freely between the eras and immerses himself at will into the current affairs of mobility.

Implementation

Astonishment, learning, comprehension, feeling at ease – visitors to the MTU museum draw their own conclusions. But one thing is always the same: They enjoy coming back. Whether employee, customer or visitor. This is because they not only take a piece of historical knowledge with them, but they also get an idea of what the future may hold. Because MTU has seen the past and gazes toward the future as one of the first aviation pioneers. The factory museum is the favorite location for external and internal events. All guest tours begin and end there. Because here the essence of the MTU traditional brand can be felt. And that was our job.