A new Science Center for Wetzlar

Companies including Zeiss, Leica, and Minox tranformed Wetzlar into the world-famous ‘City of Optics’. The Viseum, which was built ten years ago as a bridge to the region’s optical and fine mechanics industry, is also devoted to the faculty of sight. However, the need for a new visitor experience became increasingly apparent: As an out-of-school educational site, the new Science Center Wetzlar aims to focus on the topics of optics, mechanics and electronics in the future, boosting the region’s reputation as a whole. Our concept and feasibility study demonstrated that this challenge can be met!

The new location: The cathedral courtyards in the heart of the old town

Prominently visible from the cathedral square, the Science Center Wetzlar is moving into the heart of the old town. In the newly built Domhöfe, the 800 sqm exhibition area will extend over two floors. Hardly a city can rival Wetzlar’s degree of innovation and ingenuity in the field of mechanics, electronics and optics. The Science Center Wetzlar bears witness to this special status: School classes, locals and tourists of all ages are given the opportunity to grasp the laws of physics through appealing and interactive hands-on exhibits.

A discovery trip through the world of technology

We are surrounded by technology. But what are the natural laws governing it? At the Science Center Wetzlar, visitors can explore the phenomena underlying our world and experience what technology is all about. How does light move? How precise can motion be? And what exactly does voltage mean in electronics? A wide range of experiments unfolds, directly referencing our everyday lives.

Vocational orientation +

The collaboration with regional companies also adds value for everybody involved: Starting from kindergarten age, visitors can develop an interest in the field of optics, electronics and mechanics at the exhibition. These topics will later play an important role in many professions which are in turn crucial to the region. Young people meet various professionals on their ‘career paths’ who talk about their everyday working lives and new developments. In addition, they give insights into their workplaces. Conversely, young people (and all other visitors) can create their own profile, thereby matching their personal interests with career opportunities at the companies.