First German Meter Museum
The exhibition “First German Meter Museum” was staged at the “Pfundgrube Gutshaus Rambow.” The exhibition “First German Meter Museum” was organized at the “Pfundgrube Gutshaus Rambow.” The prototype meter (French: mètre des archives, “archive meter”) was the physical standard for the unit of length “meter” that was in use until 1960.
” The exhibition “First German Meter Museum” was organized at the “Pfundgrube Gutshaus Rambow.” The prototype meter (French: mètre des archives, “archive meter”) was the physical standard for the unit of length “meter” that was in use until 1960. When the metric system was introduced, the meter was initially defined as one ten-millionth of a quarter of the circumference of the Earth as measured between Paris and the North Pole. The Earth’s circumference was measured geodetically, and the result was transferred to the distance between two markings on a metal rod. The term “original meter” refers specifically to the second specimen (standard) from 1799—that platinum-iridium standard that embodied the unit of length until 1889. We do not display the Protometer rod itself, but rather a variety of chronometers, barometers, thermometers, hygrometers, and the very rare bierometers. Come visit the Pfundgrube in Rambow and be surprised. We ask that you make an appointment in advance for a visit.
Germany’s First Meter Museum on the Baltic Sea: Measurement in All Its Diversity
The Pfundgrube at the Rambow Manor in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is home to the First German Meter Museum—an unusual exhibition dedicated to the history of measurement. The Prototype Meter, known in French as mètre des archives, served as the official physical standard for the unit of length “meter” until 1960 and is considered the starting point of the metric system.
History of the Prototype Meter: From the Circumference of the Earth to the Platinum-Iridium Bar
When the International System of Units was introduced, the meter was originally defined as one ten-millionth of a quarter of the Earth’s circumference, measured from Paris to the North Pole. The result of the geodetic survey was transferred to the distance between two markings on a metal bar. The second specimen from 1799—a platinum-iridium standard—served as the physical embodiment of the unit of length until 1889.
Chronometers, barometers, and the rare beerometers in Rambow
The exhibition does not display the original meter bar, but rather an astonishing variety of historical measuring instruments: chronometers, barometers, thermometers, hygrometers, and the particularly rare beerometers. Anyone exploring the Baltic Sea coast of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania—such as Rostock, Wismar, or the Fischland-Darß-Zingst Peninsula—can plan a detour to Rambow. Advance registration is requested for visits.