Phaeno

Phaeno Science Center, commonly known as Phaeno, is a science museum located in Wolfsburg, Lower Saxony, Germany. It opened in 2005 and was designed by Zaha Hadid Architects. The building is noted for its sculptural concrete form, with irregular volumes connected by a network of ramps and walkways that create dynamic interior circulation.

Inside, Phaeno offers hands-on, interactive exhibits developed to illustrate principles of physics and the natural sciences. The center emphasizes informal science education, inviting visitors to engage with experiments that demonstrate motion, force, energy, light, sound, and related phenomena. In addition to its permanent installations, Phaeno hosts temporary exhibitions, educational workshops, and public events aimed at families, students, and teachers.

Location and accessibility: Phaeno sits near Wolfsburg’s Autostadt complex and is accessible via car, bus, and train. The facility provides accommodations for visitors with disabilities and aims to be welcoming to a broad audience, including school groups and tourists.

Impact: Since its opening, Phaeno has been recognized as a notable example of contemporary museum architecture and as a prominent venue for science outreach in Germany. It is frequently cited in discussions of architectural innovation and informal science education in the 21st century.

See also: Zaha Hadid, science centers, science museums.