Understanding the Sky Disc

The golden barge above the Unstrut valley tells the fascinating tale of the Nebra Sky Disc, which was discovered on Mittelberg hill near Nebra in 1999 in the course of an illegal excavation by treasure hunters. Forged over 3600 years ago, it is the oldest visual representation of the cosmos ever discovered to date - an archaeological sensation that has revolutionised the way we see our prehistoric ancestors.

Everything at Nebra Ark revolves around the Sky Disc. A unique mix of scientific information and exciting presentations bring together archaeology and astronomy. Virtual characters appear in display cabinets 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 tiny 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.


© LDA Sachsen-Anhalt, Foto: J. Lipták

Large-scale sculptures help structure the presentation, and as visitors make their way through the room the facts gradually unfold, revealing different facets and the deeper implications of the puzzling archaeological find. Depending on the viewer's perspective, the large sculptures coalesce to form the sun, moon and the Pleiades constellation. Thus the Sky Disc is always present, despite the fact that the original is elsewhere.