About three weeks ago I visited the first time the re-opened "Militärhistorische Museum" (MHM) in Dresden. I knew already the new exhibition would deal with "Culture of Force" and not with traditional approaches to military history. Nevertheless, I had a number of moments of disappointment during my walk through the new exhibition/museum.
Being a great admirer of old Flak I expected to see the first purpose-built AA gun of the world - the famous "Ballonkanone" by Krupp (built 1870) - on a very special place in the exhibition (like before). The big vehicle seemed to guarantee this special place. I searched in vain for the BAK.
Then I discovered the anti-balloon gun among other old guns. The gun was removed (together with its socket) from the vehicle with the big four wheels. This fact was not explained and visitors unfamiliar with the history of the gun will think it is a museum´s piece like many others. They will think it was an immobile weapon and a real chance for a very interesting display (for example part of a diorama) was wasted.
Some will claim one can see the details better from short distance now, however, I feel disappointed. (And there were other disappointing experiences too.)
Don´t know if I write to the museum to point to this and some other failures. I am afraid they are still too busily for any criticism there.
-- Edited by K-Flak on Wednesday 16th of November 2011 03:07:54 PM
-- Edited by K-Flak on Wednesday 16th of November 2011 03:09:09 PM
It looks or looked like the attached picture (if my - memory is not failing here).So, by comparing one can see that the old gun was already dispaying some major features of a purpose-built Flak.
Roger´s picture is an earlier version with another type of the "Wagen" if I recall correct. And the other photograph displays a WWI 7.7. cm gun of Rheinische Metallwaaren- und Maschinenfabrik Düsseldorf (later known as Rheinmetall).
I think the "lack of space" could be the offical reason for the "de-mobilization" of the Krupp gun 1870. However, there was always enough space in the past and the place was growing with the new exhibition. Therefore, this seems to be rather a result of a changing main focus of the museum or unawareness or both. Another reason could be the wedge built through the old building together with the oblique walls which reduce space and result in many dead-ends (irritating for visitors and dangerous in a case of fire alert or another danger). On the other hand a lot of space is used (wasted?) for so-called "installations" - not my thing I admit.
I have quiete a number of other critical remarks. Nevertheless, the exhibition is worth a visit if one is visiting the town. So, don´t miss the opportunity if you are in town and don´t forget to see the other artillery pieces in fortress Königstein south of Dresden.
wait a minute, is this that kit out by MGM? I thought those guns were only built for the FPW to shoot down balloons coming out of Paris and never used in WWI?
Greetings, Josh
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"General, you have nobly protected your forts. Keep your sword...to have crossed swords with you has been an honor, sir." General der Infantrie, Otto von Emmich
