Arche Nebra

NEBRA ARK – EXPERIENCE THE SKY DISC
The luminous “sunship” Arche Nebra tells the fascinating story of the Sky Disk of Nebra, which was discovered in an illegal excavation by treasure hunters on Mittelberg hill near Nebra in 1999. Forged over 3600 years ago, it is the oldest visual representation of the cosmos discovered to date – an archaeological sensation that has revolutionised the way to see our prehistoric ancestors.

THE VISITORS CENTRE
Inside the visitors’ centre you will find a unique mix of scientific information and exciting presentations bring togehther archaeology and astronomy. Virtual charakters appear in display cases and accompany visitors on their tour, providing information, and adding a dash of humour and charm, as well. In a 3D-flight, visitors- who have momentarily been shrunk to the size of a tiniy dust mote – are whisked across the surface of the Sky Disc and over bronze swords. A tongue-in-cheek puppet show recounts the mysterious tale surrounding the Sky Disc’s discovery. At the heart of the visitors centre is the digital planetarium. The show takes visitors to a fascinating journey into the Bronze Age. Under the dome of the plantarium , the complex astronomical knowledge encoded into the Sky Disc is explained. Those who could “read” the stars with it were masters of time. Over 3600 years ago, it allowed its users to combine the sun and moon calendars and to dtermine important dates in the yearly calendar.

SITE OF THE FIND
The Sky Disc was found on top of Mittelberg hill, 3,5 km from the virsitors centre. The exact location is marked by the “celestrical eye”. The convec disc of polished stainless steel reflects the firmament and links the heavens and earth at hte exact spot whrere an image of the Sky Disc was buried in the ground for 3600 years. An observation tower nearby lets you gaze to the horizon, just like people did in the days when the Sky Disc was made. Thirty meters high and inclined a 10 degree angle, the tower forms the neddle of a colossal sundial. A vertical section divides the construction and indicates the line of sight to the highest peak in the Harz mountain range, the Brocken. This is where the sun sets on the summer solistice, and it was then that the Sky Disc coulkd be aligned to due north and used as a sun calendar.

We offer tours and activities for groups of varying ages and of different interests. Audioguides are available in six languages (german, english, french, spanish, polish, chinese and japanese)