We are celebrating 20 years of phaeno.
To mark the anniversary, we chatted to Michel Junge, Managing Director of phaeno. For many years, he has been shaping Zaha Hadid's magical experimental landscape, which has long since become a centrepiece of our city.
Michel, 20 years of phaeno - what does the anniversary mean to you?
For me, it's a huge reason to celebrate! phaeno is a place where curiosity and creativity are at home. The fact that we have been able to inspire so many people over the years - young and old alike - is simply fantastic. That makes me proud and grateful.
What has happened since your time as Managing Director?
We have continued to develop phaeno - with new iconic exhibits, varied hands-on stations, workshops, exciting special exhibitions and even current research topics in our Science Talks. It is important to us to bring science to life and make it understandable. And we place a lot of emphasis on sustainability and partnerships - for example with Volkswagen and other local institutions and initiatives, but also increasingly at national and international level.
Is there an experience that you will never forget?
Absolutely! One highlight was definitely when we were finally able to reopen after the pandemic. Seeing how the visitors came back with shining eyes and were simply amazed again - that was an incomparable moment. This pure joy touched me deeply.
What has ever given you sleepless nights at work?
It's not always easy to maintain a balance between creativity and economic constraints. Especially when we have to plan large projects or secure funding, it's hard to sleep sometimes. But that's just part of the job if you want to achieve something big.
Highlights & favourite moments.
What are the biggest challenges right now?
People want to know more about virtual reality, quantum, AI and the like, as well as climate change and many other topics, and have lots of questions about them. However, the concepts behind them are very complex and difficult to present in our environment. It is very important to us to enable people to experience things for themselves and ultimately explain them to themselves. That is why we are currently working very intensively on the interactive realisation of these topics. Our aim is to enable people to experience and discover things for themselves ... and not to describe or even instruct them on how something works. Giving people's questions on such topical issues space, opportunities for experience and knowledge will keep us busy in the coming years.
In addition, securing the financial future of the organisation in these times is extremely challenging ... and is unlikely to get any easier. This is where phaeno is dependent on supporters. Supporters who realise the importance of introducing people - especially young people - to science and technology for the future of our region and society as a whole.
How would you describe phaeno in three hashtags?
#InspireCuriosity #ExperienceScience #youStare
And now in your private life: What do you do when you're not at phaeno?
I spend as much time with family and friends as possible - that's what really counts. And I'm also driven by curiosity in my private life - I'm a passionate bookworm and enjoy discovering new things in my head or in the real world. The best way for me to relax is by cooking ... or "gazing at the sea"!
Finally, you've had support since July, haven't you?
Yes, that's right! Jana Handrick has been our new CFO since July. We have been working together very well and trustingly for many years and I am delighted to have her support in her new role. Together with the entire phaeno team, we will do everything we can to continue to lead phaeno successfully into the future.
"Curiosity is the beginning of everything! And the phaeno is not just a place for science, but a paradise for the curious who want to discover the world with wonder. Come along and be amazed with us!"
