Looking back: 20 years of innovation and amazement
In one and a half years of project time, we have comprehensively modernised the phaeno and made it fit for the future:
- 12 newly structured themed areasthat invite visitors to discover, marvel and understand - from launch pad to perspective and maths magic until Planet A.
- 50 brand new exhibits and 200 revised classics with fascinating experiments and installations.
All of this has been realised with the heart, experience and incredible commitment of employees, partners and service providers.
- Breathtaking art objects such as Medusa and Masterpieces combine science and art in an impressive way.
- Iconic large formats such as the Ames Room, the Inclined Room, the Giant Concave Mirror and the Giant Sinus Wave have been reinstalled, while other exhibits have been reworked or redesigned - classics that never fail to provide an aha moment.
- New quiet areas, seating landscapes, a fresh colour concept and the climate forum create a modern and inviting learning and exhibition environment.
Once again, a huge THANK YOU to everyone who made this fantastic project possible.
20 years of phaeno.
Interview with Jana Handrick, CFO of phaeno.
Jana, the last year was characterised by major changes. What does that mean for you personally and for phaeno as an organisation?
It was an incredibly intensive and inspiring year. We didn't just renovate - we significantly improved the look and feel of the exhibition and the associated quality of the visitor experience, installed new exhibits and renewed our promise: to bring science to life. I am incredibly proud of our team, which has supported every step with creativity, professionalism and passion.
Was there a moment that particularly moved you personally?
Yes, I will never forget that moment. Shortly before the reopening, I was standing alone in the building early in the morning, even before the first colleagues arrived. The new colours, the exhibits, the renovated rooms - I suddenly realised what we had created together. At that moment, there was gratitude above all. For the trust that was placed in us and for a team that carried this project with incredible energy and cohesion.
How important is phaeno's role in STEM education and extracurricular learning for you?
Science centres like phaeno are an indispensable building block in the educational landscape, not only today, but also tomorrow and the day after tomorrow. We create an environment for experimenting, asking questions and using exhibits from the STEM field, among others. Especially at a time when future skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving and research are becoming increasingly important, we offer a space in which curiosity is encouraged and the questions are often more important than the answers.
Thank you - and here's to a new, exciting year.
phaeno is much more than a museum: phaeno is a lively place of learning that invites visitors to intuitively understand complex topics and encourages creativity, critical thinking and curiosity - skills that are indispensable in our dynamic world. Science centres create space for questions, experiments and networked thinking - without fear of making mistakes.
We would like to say a heartfelt thank you to all our guests, supporters, employees, partners and friends. circle of friends-members.
Together, we make science tangible, exciting and sustainable. We are entering the new year full of energy - with big goals and unbridled curiosity.
We look forward to a great 2026.
A look ahead ...
Outlook for 2026
The new year brings many highlights:
- Special exhibition "phaenoBricks " - creative building block worlds for young and old explorers.
- Bubblemania - a festival of bubbles and phenomena that guarantees amazement.
- Holiday programmes: Chick hatching in the Easter programme, schools out and varied holiday programmes
- New workshops, training courses, Hands-on labs and formats for school classes and families are also on the programme - all with the aim of bringing STEM education to life.
