Since the start of the technological age, science fiction has acted as a reflection of the public's fascination with the future and inspiration for scientists to develop new technologies. An exhibition at the Haus der Geschichte (History Museum) in Bonn focuses on how science fiction has developed in Germany. In some ways, the exhibition is a time capsule.

Lost in space

The film "Raumschiff Venus antwortet nicht" ("Venus spaceship doesn't answer") was the name for the West German release of the GDR movie "Der schweigende Stern" ("The Silent Star"). A co-production of the GDR and Poland, the film came out in 1960 - a year after the Russian Luna mission successfully sent an unmanned spacecraft to the moon.

East German spaceman

Costume sketch for the "Eolomea," a 1972 film produced in the GDR. Since the term "science fiction" was frowned upon in former East Germany, the film was described as being "fantastical science" (wissenschaftlich-fantastisch).

Space look

A space-age cocktail dress designed by Spanish fashion designer Paco Rabanne from 1966. Several designers in the 60s made "futuristic" collections. Imagine serving up an intergalactic martini while wearing this, during a cocktail party on a spaceship or a far-off planet.

Robot from Metropolis

Metropolis

Fritz Lang's 1927 film "Metropolis" stands the test of time as a classic, especially as a work of German Expressionism. The silent film portrays a future dystopia, and has a distinct undertone criticizing classist societies. Science fiction is often critical of society.

Success story

The German science fiction book series "Perry Rhodan" has among the most-sold copies worldwide. It continues to exert substantial influence over German science fiction writers.

The exhibition at the Haus der Geschichte in Bonn, Germany, starts November 23 and runs through March of next year.