The German Museum has announced the construction of a Central Depot in Erding, which was first proposed twelve years ago during the acquisition of the land. Initially, financial constraints prevented the museum from proceeding, but now a budget of 100 million euros will be raised through a public-private partnership model with an investor. The project aims to make Erding a hub of technical history, providing not just storage for exhibits but also spaces for research, restoration, conservation, and digitalization efforts.

With the first module scheduled for completion in December 2028, the Central Depot will offer a total floor area of approximately 45,000 square meters across five floors. The facility will facilitate the creation of digital 3D models of exhibits, which will be accessible worldwide, thereby enhancing the museum's outreach and educational efforts. This ambitious project signifies a significant expansion of the German Museum's capabilities in showcasing and preserving technological artifacts.

However, the commercial director of the German Museum, Henrik Häcker, expressed regret during a press conference that the initial idea of a public viewing depot with regular guided tours has been dropped, citing financial and staffing limitations. This reflects broader challenges within cultural institutions to balance visitor engagement with sustainable financial models, particularly in ambitious projects such as this one.