Phaeno, a science centre built in 2005, provides the local community and visitors with in-depth understanding of natural phenomena using its fun and educational dynamic displays. Stop to view and photograph its unusual architecture as you approach the neighbourhood in Wolfsburg. Plan for a whole day of entertainment exploring the hands-on exhibits in science and technology. See how art intersects with science.
The centre has 350 displays and demonstrations showing how all things in the natural science world work. Nearly everything is touchable. Watch a tornado develop. Learn how geysers form. Make giant bubbles, create colourful displays of luminous gases and operate intricate machines. Young kids can work with taller siblings to build a large foam arch. Many of the exhibits have explanations in both German and English or are simply observable and intuitive.
Part of the wonder of phaeno is its amazing architecture. Note how the designers, led by Iraqi Zaha Hadid, have achieved their intent to create complex, dynamic and fluid spaces. From the outside, the structure looks a bit like an asymmetric space vehicle on stilts, with a rolling roofline and oddly shaped windows reflecting blue sky and clouds. Look for hills, valleys, craters and funnels continuing within the massive 130,000-square-foot (12,000-square-metre) exhibition space and extending into the underground parking area.
Visit the science centre from Tuesday through Sunday from mid-morning to early evening. Admission is reduced for children, families and groups. Kids under the age of 6 get in free. Call in advance to arrange a tour of the unusual architecture. Check to see what special exhibitions are scheduled during your visit. Recent interactive works have included a “manometer” that lets you measure your reaction time, lung capacity and other capabilities. Purchase lunch in the bistro or eat at the picnic tables in the outdoor patio.
To get to Wolfsburg, ride the ICE high-speed train from Berlin or Hannover. Find phaeno just 90 steps from the Wolfsburg train station. Purchase a combined ticket to tour the adjacent Volkswagen Autostadt Complex. While you’re in Wolfsburg, visit the castle, Schloss Wolfsburg, to learn about the region’s history.
