By Mary-Lou Künzel
From the throwaway society back to the repair society. That is the aim of the new special exhibition at the German Museum of Technology in Kreuzberg.
From December 2022 to September 3 next year, “Repair! Use instead of waste” is the order of the day.
On around 500 square meters, both adults and children are encouraged to get to know the advantages of manual renewal and to internalize them through active participation.
Meaningful and fun
Be it the mobile phone, the bicycle or the socks. Due to the constant use, the defect of everyday objects is almost programmed. Instead of simply throwing it away and replacing it with a new, fully functional part, it is better to do it yourself for the sake of the environment and your own wallet.
Everyone has the so-called drawer phones at home. At the latest as soon as the phone is defective, it will be replaced with a new model. This consumption does not benefit the environment at all Photo: Ralf Lutter
Young generations in particular should take up this well-known practice again. The first impressions and experiences can be collected playfully at the exhibition in the museum. Joachim Breuninger, Director of the German Museum of Technology: “We urgently need to find ways out of the throwaway society. Our exhibition encourages this and makes it clear: repairing not only makes sense, it is also fun!”
Participate, listen and marvel
Arriving at the exhibition, the gaze automatically turns to the work of art from our blue planet. On closer inspection, however, it is noticeable that this is made up of leftover scraps.
The scrap globe is a central element of the exhibition. The effects of the throwaway society can only be seen up close Photo: Ralf Lutter
“This junk globe represents one of two central elements. The second special feature is the hands-on workshop at the center of the exhibition,” explains Justine Czerniak, one of the museum’s curators.
In addition, there is a suitable hands-on station in each subject area, which helps to gain more background knowledge.
A total of 10 subject areas are shown in the repair landscape. Each area has its own hands-on station Photo: Ralf Lutter
Within the repair landscape, both the consumer side and the production side are considered. In addition to a scrap sculpture, which shows the yearly throw-away behavior of a family of four, cultural and historical insights into the repair life are also offered. Hard to imagine for some, but repairing everyday objects was once the norm.
The classic: The teddy bear whose arm was “patched up” or sewn back together Photo: Clemens Kirchner
Another topic that finds space in the exhibition is self-repair in living beings. Not only the broken item, but also plant, human and animal can be repaired. The Axolotl, a Mexican amphibian, has become the mascot of Fix It! because of its amazing ability to self-regenerate severed limbs in a short amount of time. Two specimens of these survival artists can even be admired on site.
Repair was once the rule. Things like shoes or underpants were patched until only the seams were visible Photo: Ralf Lutter