Phaeno Science Center

The Phaeno Science Center is a public science museum in Wolfsburg in Lower Saxony, Germany, housed in a distinctive contemporary building by architect Zaha Hadid and opened in 2005. It functions as an interactive science centre focused on hands-on learning.

The venue’s main draw is a very large open experiment hall with a wide range of interactive exhibits that illustrate principles of physics and natural science. The centre also runs temporary exhibitions, live demonstrations and educational programmes for schools and families.

The building was commissioned by the city of Wolfsburg as part of urban development around the Autostadt and Volkswagen attractions and has been a local cultural destination since its opening. Its distinctive architecture and interior organisation were integral to the museum’s concept from the start.

The centre sits in Wolfsburg near the Autostadt and the Volkswagen works and is accessible by local public transport from the city centre. It is commonly visited together with nearby automotive and cultural attractions.

• Architecture: Designed by architect Zaha Hadid and opened in 2005, the building itself is an architectural highlight.
• Exhibits: The centre concentrates on hands-on physics and natural science exhibits aimed at all ages, with around a few hundred interactive exhibits in the main hall.

What to See #

• Main experiment hall: A large, open-plan interactive hall that houses the majority of the museum's hands-on exhibits and demonstration stations.
• Temporary exhibition spaces: Rotating galleries and event spaces used for temporary exhibitions, workshops and school programmes.