Friends.
Das phaeno Science Center in Wolfsburg bei Nacht, eindrucksvoll in Pink und Lila beleuchtet. Lichtspuren von Autos ziehen dynamisch an der futuristischen Architektur vorbei.

Welcome to the phaeno circle of friends!

Become a member of the phaeno circle of friends and discover exclusive benefits for yourself!

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16 September 2026: Visit to TECHNIKUM OSTFALIA

On 16 September 2026, 25 members of the Friends’ Association visited the Technikum at the Institute for Recycling in Heinenkamp. There, they were given a fascinating insight into the activities of one of Ostfalia’s leading research institutes.

Following a brief introduction to the institute by Prof. Max Juraschek, Ostfalia staff used specific objects and equipment to demonstrate how research into the circular economy is carried out: innovative materials such as mycelium, hydrogen technology, resource-efficient production processes such as physical foaming at Volkswagen, and the recycling of plastics.

This was followed by a ‘get-together with a barbecue’. Many thanks to the whole Ostfalia team for their hospitality and the fascinating insight into their field of work! 

 

10 June 2026: Annual General Meeting

On 10 June 2026, the members of the Friends’ Association gathered for this year’s Annual General Meeting. Chairman Claudius Colsman welcomed those present and reported on the activities of the past year. Further developments to the membership fee regulations and the future direction of the association were also on the agenda.

A particular highlight of the evening was the talk by Prof. Harald Rau from Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences, who provided fascinating insights into the REVFIN project. The focus was on the circularity of plastics – which also marked the launch of the new ‘Forum’ at phaeno. In a collaborative project with partners in Vietnam, the Ostfalia team has developed and established a recycling loop for disused fishing nets – an important contribution to the fight against ocean pollution.

The members rounded off the informative evening together with a convivial get-together.

Plastics Forum

 

26 February 2026: phaenoBricks Preview

At this exclusive preview event, the Friends’ Association were treated to exciting behind-the-scenes insights on the very day of the set-up. Even before the doors officially open, members can experience how exhibitions take shape, how exhibits find their places and how the final touches are being put in place for the big moment.

This special proximity to the action is what defines the Friends’ Association: curious, committed and always one step ahead. A glimpse behind the scenes that has once again shown just how much passion and teamwork goes into phaeno – and how valuable it is to be part of this community.

20 years of phaeno ...

20 years circle of friends

2025 was a very special year for the phaeno. To mark its 20th anniversary, many things were moved, modernised and further developed. The exhibition is constantly evolving - with new content, current topics and fresh perspectives on science and society.

The Freundeskreis phaeno Wolfsburg e.V. (Friends of phaeno Wolfsburg) sent out a strong signal: with great commitment, the iconic exhibit Ames Raum was made possible and donated to phaeno for the anniversary. An exhibit that symbolises a change of perspective, amazement and joint work.

Time to say thank you - for 20 years of support, trust and passion.
Time to look back and look ahead together.

👉 More about the anniversary year, the Ames Raum and the commitment of the Circle of Friends

phaenoGebäude im Dunkel mit einer Projektion "20 Jahre phaeno"

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  • 10.02.2025 - Start of the new year with the topic "Architecture at phaeno". Presentation of the digital architecture station by the programmer Fuzzy + an architectural tour by Kathrin Heidemann, Head of Visitor Services
  • 03.04.2025 - A look behind the scenes of the new optics area
  • 17.06.2025 - A look behind the scenes and laser show
  • November 2025: Tour of the construction site and the sponsored exhibit Ames Raum
  • December 2025: family&friend ceremony

05.11.2025: Insight into the construction site "Project 2025" (renovation of the permanent exhibition) and presentation of the "Ames Room" financed by the Circle of Friends, report WAZ.

Various laser beams.

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  • phaeno Bricks
  • The Physics Aunts
  • AI lecture in the science theatre

  • Members' meeting in the external camp

Girl stands in front of an art exhibit: the spaghetti eater - a wooden puppet sitting in the bathtub eating spaghetti.

Highlight phaeno Bricks.

Even before the opening of the phaeno Bricks special exhibition, the members of Steineland Harz + Heide, one of the largest Lego®-fan group in Germany, were on hand to answer questions from the phaeno circle of friends.

Artists such as Teun de Wijs from Amsterdam and Taylor Heanue from Boston were also able to meet the phaeno friends.

A small audience looks at a man standing behind a table and showing off Lego exhibits.
A man stands leaning against a high table, surrounded by several people watching him.
2 men stand at a Lego structure and admire it.
A father with his wife and two children takes a family selfie.
A teenage girl stands in front of a barrier and admires a city made of Lego bricks, next to her stands a woman with a child.

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  • Power2Change - the BMBF's energy exhibition
  • Visit to the PTB Braunschweig
  • Bubblemania
  • Foam theatre
Two young women sit on a blue bench and touch their fingers.

Special exhibition Power2Change.

§ People in front of a monitor wall labelled Power2Change in a discussion or interview.
Speakers in front of a lectern labelled phaeno in front of a screen labelled Power2Change
Speaker in front of a wall with a microphone in his hand.
Group picture with lady.

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  • Special exhibition KI: I AM A.I.
  • phaeno Bricks
  • Opening of the new children's area
  • Visit to the planetarium
  • Quantum world

Highlight Visit to the planetarium.

Woman stands in front of an astronaut figure with the same gesture. She is talking. To the right and left in the audience are a boy and another child.
Small group listening attentively to a speaker.
A blue room with a light projector, surrounded by armchairs and a few people.
Projector from the inside.