Ilmenau Science Night
Over 170 program points between the TU campus, city center, and industrial park
About Science Night Ilmenau
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Hands-on Research in the Ilm District
Ilmenau, the "university town in the green" in the Ilm district (Thuringia), is home to the Technische Universität Ilmenau – one of the most important engineering universities in Central Germany. Once a year, the city transforms into an open laboratory: Ilmenau Science Night makes research tangible, from the city center and the TU campus to the Am Vogelherd industrial park.
Over 170 Program Points for All Age Groups
In 2026, over 170 program points are planned: lab tours, lectures, demonstrations, hands-on experiments, stamp rallies, and escape rooms. Topics range from nanotechnology and precision measurement technology to robotics (with an interactive robot guide dog) and traffic safety. The new Terminal M at the train station will also open its doors to the public for the first time.
Opening Concert "Modern Times: Music Meets Science"
The event kicks off in 2026 with a special opening concert at 3:00 PM: "Modern Times: Music Meets Science" featuring the Thüringen Philharmonie Gotha-Eisenach, the OktoPLUS Ensemble, and the TU Ilmenau Chamber Choir. The concert combines classical music with scientific themes, preparing the audience for a night of discovery.
Main Program from 5 PM — After-show from 10 PM
From 5 PM, the main program runs concurrently at various locations. Shuttle buses connect the city center, campus, and industrial park. Families with children will find dedicated stations with age-appropriate experiments. From 10 PM, the after-show party on campus invites guests to wind down – the Science Night ends when research turns into celebration.
Organizers and Partners
The Science Night is jointly organized by TU Ilmenau, the City of Ilmenau, the Ilm district, and the "Thüringer Bogen" initiative. It is part of the supra-regional strategy to make research locations in Thuringia visible to the public, prospective students, and career starters.
Science Night Ilmenau — edition 2026
The 2026 Science Night begins at 3:00 PM with the opening concert "Modern Times: Music Meets Science" — Thüringen Philharmonie Gotha-Eisenach with the OktoPLUS Ensemble and the TU Ilmenau Chamber Choir. From 5:00 PM, the main program runs concurrently at three main locations: TU Ilmenau Campus, city center, and Am Vogelherd industrial park. Shuttle buses connect all locations.
In terms of content, visitors can expect demonstrations on precision measurement technology, nanostructures, traffic safety, an interactive robot guide dog, an escape room as a research format, and the first look at the new Terminal M at the train station. Young visitors will receive career and study orientation.
Programme Science Night Ilmenau 2026
3:00 PM — Opening Concert
- "Modern Times: Music Meets Science"
- Thüringen Philharmonie Gotha-Eisenach
- OktoPLUS Ensemble
- TU Ilmenau Chamber Choir
From 5:00 PM — Main Program (concurrently at 3 locations)
- TU Ilmenau Campus: Lab tours, robotics demos, nanotechnology, robot guide dog
- Ilmenau City Center: Hands-on stations, stamp rally, family program, new Terminal M at the train station
- Am Vogelherd Industrial Park: Industry demonstrations, innovative companies in the region
Over 170 Program Points — Selection
- Precision measurement technology
- Nanostructure research
- Traffic safety and mobility
- Escape rooms as a research format
- Study and career orientation for young visitors
- Stamp rallies for families with children
From 10:00 PM — After-show Party
- TU Ilmenau Campus, main stage and DJ sets
- Winding down until midnight
Free shuttle between the city center, campus, and industrial park. Full program at ilmenauer-wissenschaftsnacht.de.
Highlights Science Night Ilmenau 2026
- Opening concert at 3 PM with the Thüringen Philharmonie
- Over 170 program points at three locations
- Robot guide dog and escape rooms
- First look at the new Terminal M at the train station
- After-show party on campus from 10 PM
Prices Science Night Ilmenau 2026
Free admission to all program points, shuttle buses are free. Advance registration may be advisable for individual workshops.
Practical information — Science Night Ilmenau
Getting There
By train to Ilmenau station, shuttle buses between locations run free of charge. By car via the A71 (Ilmenau exit).
Admission
Free admission to all program points. Advance registration is recommended for some workshops.
Tip
Plan your day in stages: TU campus as the scientific center, city center for family-friendly activities, Am Vogelherd industrial park for industry demos.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Science Night Ilmenau al mejor precio.
Sponsored link
Where it takes place Science Night Ilmenau
TU Ilmenau Campus, Innenstadt und Gewerbegebiet Am Vogelherd
Ehrenbergstraße 29, 98693 Ilmenau