Press release: Forum Wissen to open in June

No. 39 - 19.04.2022

Göttingen University's future knowledge museum brings research alive with real and tangible objects

Göttingen University's Forum Wissen will open its doors to the public for the first time on 4 and 5 June 2022. The new knowledge museum wants to make research real with tangible objects: in the various Räumen des Wissens (rooms of knowledge or knowing), visitors can learn about motivation and ideas, the methods and networks of researchers, as well as discover different perspectives on about 1,400 objects from the collections of Göttingen University. The knowledge museum is housed in the former zoology building at Berliner Straße 28 and is open Tuesdays to Sundays from 10:00 to 18:00. Admission is free.

Covering an area of around 1,200 metres square, the permanent exhibition features an unusual scene, from a book tower to a walk-in desk, to bubble chairs and the proverbial “Holzweg” (a path cut into a forest to collect wood, ultimately leading nowhere). A rolling exhibition of items from the University’s academic collections, handpicked by curators, are showcased. Anyone who wishes can take a tour across disciplines, scanning objects digitally with their mobile phones and listening to experts’ different perspectives about selected exhibits.

The permanent exhibition is supplemented by changing special exhibitions on specific themes. The visitor experience is accompanied by guided tours and events and the route is accessible. Staff and students of the University of Göttingen will have already had the opportunity to get to know the Forum Wissen one day earlier on Friday 3 June. Funders for this first five-year, pilot phase of the Forum Wissen include the German government and the state of Lower Saxony, as well as local and regional sponsors. Further information can be found online at www.forum-wissen.de.

Note to editors:

A reception to officially inaugurate the Forum Wissen is planned for Tuesday 31 May 2022. This event is not open to the public, but journalists are welcome to attend. Details on the reception as well as a preliminary date for the press will be sent to you separately.