New Science Center

In the years ahead, the new Domhöfe (cathedral courtyards) are intended to come to life on Wetzlar’s Domplatz, the place in front of the Cathedral. Truly a mega-project - for the city, for the investor and also for the Viseum Wetzlar, the supporting association and its chairman Ralf Niggemann. When he is talking about the opportunities which present themselves for the Viseum Wetzlar in this location, he paints a vivid mental picture of the future Science Center. But right now, it is not ready yet. Start of construction works is targeted for 2022 with an expected construction time of three years. Until then, Ralf Niggemann makes use of his enthusiasm to get supporters from politics and the economy interested in the project.

The things which have come to maturity in the minds of the makers have now also taken shape on paper. According to those, the new Science Center will be situated in the central courtyard of the three Domhöfe. The spatial concept includes an area of 900 m² which is more than twice as big as the space that the Viseum Wetzlar has currently at its disposal in the Stadt- und Industriemuseum (Museum of City and Industry). A large portion of the area is set aside for the exhibition; added to that, there will be ancillary rooms for workshops and meetings. The Science Center would share the foyer including the ticket office and a shop with the tourist information. This constellation makes Ralf Niggemann eminently happy.

Significantly increase qualitative and quantitative attention

But what is even more important for the city and the visitors: The relocation of the Viseum Wetzlar does not mean that the same stuff is just shifted to a different place. And changing the name to Science Center is anything but fraudulent labeling. For the people responsible, it is about more than that: “We will considerably expand the previous spectrum of exhibits in keeping with the times and in an interactive way at that,” explains Ralf Niggemann. “Thus, we will make an extraordinary experience out of everything that distinguishes Wetzlar as City of Optics. What is more: with the Science Center, we want to get children and adolescents interested in technical subjects and job profiles.” According to a study commissioned by the supporting association of the Viseum Wetzlar, the possibilities of a bigger house would significantly increase the attention it would gain - both in quality and in quantity. Moreover, the attractiveness of the Science Center would be enhanced by the top-quality location directly opposite the Cathedral. The concept for implementing the new Science Center in the Domhöfe was developed and specified together with the Berlin based consulting and creative studio klv.

“We reckon with 33,000 visitors in the first year,” says the promoter for economic development, Rainer Dietrich. What can be expected? Interactive exhibits in the topic areas optics, electronics, and mechanics; stations where all age groups may participate; vacuum bell jars and magnetic fields; microscopes and spectacles which reveal scientific secrets; a kind of “job profile configurator” which could pave the way for children and young people into an apprenticeship or an employment; and as a special highlight, filling one room, a camera obscura which will put the Cathedral opposite on its head.

Companies from the region are directly involved as supporters and sponsors

So, this could be a way for the Science Center to become a new point of attraction for national and international visitors directly on the place in front of the Cathedral. What is more, with the new Science Center, it is intended to significantly expand the manifold activities which already make the Viseum Wetzlar one of the most important learning environments in the region outside of schools: with a choice of workshops in particular with regard to the so-called STEM subjects ranging from mathematics, informatics, natural sciences, and technology. And since the professional expertise in these sectors can be found right on the doorstep, the relevant companies from the region will be involved directly as supporters and promoters.

The investment costs are estimated to amount to around € 2.5 million, added to that are expenses for staff and operational costs. The mega-project is to be financed by admission charges, development funds, and sponsoring. In this respect, Ralf Niggemann’s mentioned enthusiasms is particularly required right now. And his enthusiasm is infectious. “The idea and the concept of the Science Center find a lot of approval with those responsible in communal politics and with potential sponsors,” rejoices Niggemann. “We are quite confident that we will be able to implement the plans and concepts which are already well advanced in their development.”

Additional Information:
www.viseum-wetzlar.de
www.domhoefe-wetzlar.de
www.studioklv.de