"Submarine Exhibited from Within": Technikmuseum Sinsheim Displays Submarine Internally
The U-17 submarine has made its long-awaited debut at the Sinsheim Technical Museum, following a two million euro transportation cost and a half-million euro renovation. The museum, having funded these expenses through admission fees and donations, is now opening its doors to the public on May 24, allowing a rare opportunity for visitors to explore the interior of the vessel.
Upon its arrival, the U-17 submarine was met with widespread enthusiasm, much like a rockstar, according to museum director, Andreas Hemmer. Cities along the transport route celebrated its arrival, creating an atmosphere akin to a World Cup event. The reception has been overwhelmingly positive, both at the museum and on social media, and visitors have expressed eagerness to explore the U-boat.
The objective was to preserve the submarine's authenticity while making it suitable for visitors. On May 24, after nine months of work, the U-boat will welcome 30 visitors at a time into its confined but expansive exhibit space, which measures nearly 50 meters in length and weighs approximately 450 tons. Visitors are encouraged to walk freely underneath the vessel as well.
"There are few places in Germany where one can explore a U-boat from the inside," notes Hemmer. The museum's unique offering also includes a peek through a U-boat tube to a supersonic aircraft. No guided tours are available yet, but plans for future guided tours are underway. In attendance at the opening were former U-17 crew members, including the oldest surviving commander, Viktor Toyka, who served from 1973 to 1977. Toyka shared insights into life aboard the submarine, providing a personal and humorous perspective.
The U-17 submarine exhibit has solidified the Sinsheim Technical Museum as a significant destination for Cold War-era submarine enthusiasts, offering an up-close exploration of the decommissioned vessel. Special events, tours, and themed discussions are planned for the future, enabling visitors to learn more about the technology and daily life on board the U-17.
Visitors, intrigued by the U-17 submarine exhibit, express interest in not only exploring the vessel's interior but also delving into the realms of science and space-and-astronomy, as the museum's unique offering includes a glimpse of a U-boat tube connecting to a supersonic aircraft. The museum's dedication to technology is further evident in its plans to showcase special events, tours, and themed discussions about the U-17's technology and daily life, providing visitors with a comprehensive understanding of this Cold War-era submarine.
