Concept and goals
How did the idea for the Haus der Wissenschaft come about?
The idea to build a ‘house of science’ first came up in Braunschweig’s application to become “Stadt der Wissenschaft” (city of science) in 2005. The Haus der Wissenschaft was an integral part of the application, and it was planned to build it right in the city centre. Unfortunately, the 2005 application was declined, but Braunschweig was far from giving up: Encouraged by a commendation from the Stifterverband and an invitation to apply again, they started anew with fresh ideas in the following year. The motto of the 2007 application was „Kitchen of Ideas“, and again, the Haus der Wissenschaft was included – as the dessert coming from the kitchen of ideas.
On March 28, 2006, Braunschweig was chosen to become Stadt der Wissenschaft 2007, and together with the „Kitchen of Ideas“, the project „Haus der Wissenschaft“ was further advanced.
The first thing to do was to choose the future location of the Haus. Options were the Platz der Deutschen Einheit and the Windmühlenberg at Kennedyplatz, but neither of those potential locations managed to fully convince the organizers.
Finally, a different solution altogether was found during the TU Day in 2006: When Secretary of State Lothar Hagebölling, TU president Prof. Jürgen Hesselbach and the city councillor of cultural affairs, Wolfgang Laczny, were visiting the former pedagogic academy, they came up with the idea to use the building as the future location for the Haus der Wissenschaft. Up on the tower, in lofty heights, representatives of the Technische Universität, the City of Braunschweig and the Federal State of Niedersachsen agreed on realizing the project in this location. Thus, even before the start of the Year of Science 2007, a location was found which was both centrally located and had ties to science and research: the former pedagogic academy at Pockelsstraße. The great view from the roof terrace (the future restaurant) finally convinced everyone that the tower was the perfect pick.
What does the Haus der Wissenschaft offer you?
- A place for experimenting, open to all parts of society
- Children, teenagers and grown-ups; Braunschweigers and guests; scientists and non-scientists are invited to share their viewpoints and discover new formats
- An atmosphere shaped by innovation and tolerance, entrepreneurial spirit and cooperation forms the basis for an open exchange in the Haus der Wissenschaft
- And finally: Exciting exhibitions and events