Berlin’s Zucker Museum, now part of the Deutsches Technikmuseum, offers a compelling exploration of sugar’s cultural, scientific, and historical significance. Founded in 1904, it traces the evolution of sugar from colonial cane plantations to the discovery of beet sugar by Berlin chemist Andreas Marggraf in 1747. The exhibition “All Sugar! Nutrition – Raw Material – Energy” reveals sugar’s surprising presence in everyday objects—from crab shells to plastic—and its role in energy storage, food, and alcohol production. Visitors encounter rare artifacts like 18th-century sugar boxes, a Bolivian cane mill, and lithographs depicting the global sugar trade. The museum also confronts the darker legacy of sugar, examining its ties to slavery and colonialism. Integrated into a modern, interactive setting, the Zucker Museum invites reflection on how a simple substance has shaped economies, technologies, and cultures across centuries.
Berlin GermanyThe Zucker Museum, now part of the Deutsches Technikmuseum in Berlin, can be found at Trebbiner Straße 9, 10963 Berlin, within the vibrant Kreuzberg district. Its permanent exhibition, “Alles Zucker!” (“All Sugar!”), immerses visitors in the global journey of sugar, from its agricultural roots to its cultural and economic impact. The museum’s interactive displays cover the history of sugar production, its technological advances, and highlight the broader implications of sugar in global trade and social development. Surrounding the museum are several notable attractions. The area boasts excellent public transport links, with Gleisdreieck station (U1, U2, U3, U12) just a short walk away, making the location easy to access. Right nearby is the striking Kühlhaus Berlin, a renowned center for industrial culture and contemporary art, often hosting eclectic exhibitions and events. The distinctive Tempodrom arena offers a range of live performances and concerts in a modern architectural space. For relaxation, Park am Gleisdreieck presents a broad green landscape perfect for strolling or picnicking. The broader district is filled with creative energy, local eateries, and the full spectrum of the Deutsches Technikmuseum’s exhibits, offering a diverse, urban, and cultural experience for all visitors.