Each season, we highlight one object, story, or invention from our collection that would otherwise remain in storage, the archives, or the
What many people don’t know: Museums and their collections operate according to the iceberg principle. In addition to “exhibiting” and “educating,” “collecting,” “research,” and “preservation”—all linked to the goal of documenting the technological and industrial history of our state and bringing it to life. With this new format, we’d like to draw attention to hidden treasures!
Everyday Life on Two Wheels
Our current “Object of the Summer” is a 1963 Simson KR 50, which was mass-produced from 1958 to 1964 at VEB Fahrzeug- und Gerätebau Simson Suhl. Even better known today is its legendary successor: the KR 51, better known as the “Schwalbe.” As part of the famous Simson bird series (Schwalbe, Spatz, Star, Sperber, Habicht), it was produced over 1.1 million times from 1964 to 1986. Thanks to its 3.4 to 3.7 PS, the popular two-seater reached a top speed of 60 km/h.
Thanks to a special provision in the Unification Treaty, it is classified as a moped despite its 60 km/h top speed and can be ridden by fifteen-year-olds without a license —a key reason for its enduring popularity compared to modern scooters, which are limited to a top speed of 45 km/h. Simson vehicles have thus become a true symbol of identity.
The KR 50 was the first small scooter produced in the GDR. Between 1958 and 1964, a total of 164,500 units were built; our exhibit dates from 1963.
Tell us your story!
Your personal connection, your knowledge, and your memories are especially important to us in this exhibition! In the collection showcase, you’ll have the opportunity to share your very personal experience with the object with us and the other guests.
Whether it was your first Baltic Sea vacation in the “Schwalbe” or your daily work life—from writer to machinist: Become part of our Museum Summer and share your story on our bulletin board!
To do so, please send your memory—including a photo and text—by email to: pr@phantechnikum.de
