250 Experimental Stations and a diversity of programmes

phæno offers 250 interactive Experimental Stations on a total of eight exciting thematic areas from the world of natural science and technology. These comprise Wind and Weather, Micro / Macro, Matter, Light and Vision, Life, Energy, Information and Movement. In addition, phæno also offers varied programmes for schools and other groups that change every two or three months. Workshops in three "hands-on" laboratories provide a deeper insight into the fascinating world of science and technology via the ability to conduct one's own experiments.


One of the world's largest “fire tornado”s:
its striking flame shoots over four metres into the air. It is ignited up to four times an hour by a "phænowoman" or "phænoman".

“Wave tank”:
a wave is generated by the upward and downward motion of a large wave tank. Observers can see how it builds up and reacts.

The "Giant catenary arch":
building bridges together – a group constructs an unsupported bridge walkway two metres high using large building blocks made of foam. The forces working on an archway are the theme here.

"Mind ball":
it's almost like magic to set the little ball in motion through one's brainwaves alone and to manoeuvre it into the goal area of your opponent. The winners here are those who are relaxed.

"Land like a cat":
one's weight is measured before jumping from a platform and then set in relation to the impact after landing on the ground. The aim is to land as gently as possible.

"Smack the wall":
running against the wall, as in a crash test. The impact on a mat on the wall is measured at this station.

"Flying carpet":
it really exists here in phæno – the visitors stand or sit on a carpet that hovers over an air cushion.

"Text rain":
letters rain down from a screen. The movements of the spectators are transferred onto the screen via a camera and the letters suddenly cluster around arms and legs and receive a meaning. In this way, the American artist Camille Utterbeck let it rain words.