• 
• 
• 

• 
• 
• 
• 

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

On 22^nd May 2008, the ceremony surrounding the official opening of the German Watch Museum Glashütte took place. A press conference attended by journalists and photographers from 24 countries was held in the morning, before the official inauguration of the building.

The speakers included Markus Dressler, Temporary Administrator and Interim Lord Mayor of Glashütte, Dr. Hanspeter Rentsch, Member of the Board of the Swatch Group, as well as Dr. Frank Müller, Managing Director of Glashütte Original. They emphasized the significance of Glashütte as a watchmaking hot spot and underlined the uniqueness of the new "Museum of Time".


At 2 pm, Dr. Frank Müller gave a short welcoming speech to more than 350 guests in the Atrium of the Glashütte Original manufactory. A short film about the creation of the German Watch Museum Glashütte put the guests in the right mood for the forthcoming opening. In addition, a superb female quartet contributed to the festive atmosphere with their elegant music.

The next speaker was Dr. Hanspeter Rentsch, who paid tribute to all the individuals involved in the project. He also praised the commitment of Glashütte Original and extended warm congratulations on behalf of the Swatch Group. Dr. Thomas de Maizière, Federal Minister and Chief of the Chancellery and Minister Dr. Roland Wöller were also among the official speakers. Both politicians praised this historical event and expressed their best wishes for the museum in the future.

Subsequently, the former Lord Mayor of Glashütte, Frank Reichel, and Temporary Administrator and Interim Lord Mayor Markus Dreßler both gave short speeches in which they once again referred to the establishment of the Foundation "German Watch Museum Glashütte - Nicolas G. Hayek" in 2006.


Punctually at 3.30 pm, the Museum was officially opened. Armed with scissors, Markus Dressler, Dr. Roland Wöller, Dr. Hanspeter Rentsch, Dr. Frank Müller and Frank Reichel jointly cut the red ribbon.

Subsequently, the building’s architect, Christoph Rabe, presented the new curator, Dr. Frank Müller, with a hand-crafted Meissen porcelain key.

After this symbolic transfer of the key, the doors of the building were thrown open and the modern Museum of Time welcomed its first guests.During the course of their tour, the guests of honor were treated to a live explanation about the museum’s concept, as well as the innovative interior design and interactive modules. The richly furnished rooms and artful displays were the cause of much admiration and enthusiasm.


In accordance with the exhibition’s motto, “The Fascination of Time – Bringing Time to Life”, the Watch Museum will illuminate not only the fine art of watchmaking, but will also facilitate emotional and philosophical access to the phenomenon of time itself.

Consistent with the goals of the foundation “German Watch Museum Glashütte - Nicolas G. Hayek”, Glashütte Original has developed an exhibition journey which conveys the rich history of Glashütte as well as aspects relating to the sensation of time and its measurement. This project was made possible by the support of the Swatch Group and the town of Glashütte.