13.09.2017
Ceremonial Handover of Keys to the Futurium
The construction of the Futurium’s building in the city centre of Berlin has been completed. Today, the Institute for Federal Real Estate handed over the completed building to the Futurium. The ceremonial handover took place in the presence of Federal Minister Professor Dr Johanna Wanka.
Today, the Futurium and the Institute for Federal Real Estate (BImA) celebrated the completion of the building. As part of a festive event in the presence of Federal Minister Professor Dr Johanna Wanka, the Institute for Federal Real Estate handed over the keys to the Futurium. Among the invited guests were representatives from the spheres of politics, science, business and culture.
„The Futurium is intended as a place for all those with a passion for shaping the future."
“The Futurium is intended as a place for all those with a passion for shaping the future. In this sense, it is ‘radically open’ and not limited to individual target groups. The Futurium stands for critical thinking and tolerance – but also for curiosity and the willingness to take responsibility. In this regard, it is simultaneously stage, museum, laboratory and forum of the future,” explained Dr Stefan Brandt, Director of the Futurium.
The Futurium was built in public-private partnership: BAM Deutschland AG, a private partner of the Institute for Federal Real Estate, carried out the project on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research as property owner and builder. The building was designed by the Berlin architects Christoph Richter and Jan Musikowski in collaboration with landscape architects JUCA.
On 16 September, the Futurium will present its building to the public. For one day, the Futurium will temporarily open its doors, inviting visitors to the event “A Day in the Future. Open House at the Futurium”. From 11:00 to 05:00 next morning, visitors can expect a varied and multidisciplinary programme. Scientific lectures and discussions, a Robotics Lab, dance and music performances, interactive installations, films about the future, a children’s programme and a late-night Lounge Party will take place throughout the building. Admission is free of charge.
The event “A Day in the Future. Open House at the Futurium” marks the beginning of a multi-stage opening schedule, which Dr Stefan Brandt, the Futurium’s new Director since 1 June 2017, has developed together with Commercial Managing Director Nicole Schneider and the Futurium team. In the second phase in May 2018, as part of interdisciplinary Programme Weeks, the Futurium will present its three scheduled focus areas for its exhibition, namely, our future relationship with technology, with nature and with ourselves as human beings. In addition, the Futurium Lab will invite visitors to participate on selected weekends from May to October 2018. The opening of the Futurium in its entirety is scheduled for spring 2019.
Image: Handover of the Futurium’s keys: f.l.t.r. Ms Cornelia Quennet-Thielen (State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Education and Research), Professor Dr Johanna Wanka (Federal Minister of Education and Research), Dr Stefan Brandt (Director of the Futurium), Ms Nicole Schneider (Commercial Managing Director of the Futurium), Dr Jürgen Gehb (Executive Board Spokesman of the Institute for Federal Real Estate). Image: Ali Ghandtschi
