© Christoph Rau
The Mechanical World of Rudolf Müller
The special exhibition “Tinkered: Machines out of the metal construction kit” not only showcases fascinating designs and creative objects, but also tells the story of an inventor who expresses his passion for technology and design in a creative way.
Rudolf Müller, a passionate mechanical engineer
The machines on display were created by Rudolf Müller (1949–2024). A trained bricklayer who later became a master bricklayer, he worked for many years in the building trade as a foreman, site supervisor and project manager. During his career, he was involved in the construction of bridges, residential and commercial buildings, and large logistics centres.
After retiring, he rediscovered a childhood passion: metal construction kits. As a teenager, he had owned a Märklin metal construction kit, which had been stored in the cellar for decades. It was not until many years later that he took out the old parts again and began to develop his own machines from them.
These were not replicas built to instructions, but original designs of his own.
With great craftsmanship and enthusiasm, Rudolf Müller developed moving model machines that bring the mechanics to life and allow them to be experienced first-hand.
From 2015 onwards, he became involved with the “Schrauberfreunde Taunus” and regularly exchanged ideas with other metalworkers from Germany and across Europe.
He presented his models at events and exhibitions, amongst other places, where they never failed to amaze visitors.
The works in the exhibition combine the joy of discovery with that of creation. They demonstrate that technical curiosity, craftsmanship and creative thinking are not mutually exclusive.
