Futurium opens its new exhibition ‘On/Off Relationship’

Intelligent machines, empathetic algorithms, brain implants and augmented realities: the boundaries between people and technology seem to be increasingly blurred. What will it mean to be human in the future? How will our perspectives and beliefs change? Some see the rapid development of technology as the dawn of a golden age, others fear the risks. So where should we be cautious and where should we feel confident? Futurium explores all of this in the new exhibition.

Dr. Stefan Brandt, Director of Futurium

‘Technology has always shaped our understanding of what it means to be human. But what is new is the speed and scope with which technologies such as AI and other innovations are embedding themselves in our daily lives, our decisions, and even our sense of self. This raises urgent questions: How close to machines do we want to be? What do we gain – and what do we sacrifice? Does technology expand our horizons or limit our freedom? Ultimately, the most profound question is this: Who do we want to be in a world transformed by technology?

With our new exhibition, we invite our audience to explore these questions from different perspectives. Technological progress is not an end in itself. As individuals and as a society, we must retain the freedom to decide how technology serves us – not the other way around. Futurium is committed to fostering these conversations, so that our choices about technology are made with clarity, purpose, and foresight. ’ 

Nicole Schneider, Commercial Managing Director of Futurium

‘For Futurium, exploring the relationship between humans and technology means not only showcasing technological developments, but also creating spaces for open and nuanced discussion. Our new exhibition shows that the future is shaped not only by technological innovation, but also by the decisions, values and ideas we associate with it. At Futurium, we work every day to facilitate this dialogue and bring together different perspectives.’

New highlights in the exhibition and at the Futurium Lab

In the new exhibition area, the Futurium invites visitors to explore the often-hidden aspects of technology and to rethink the relationship between human and technology. From the raw material extraction and data cities to artificial intelligence in everyday life, it reveals how technologies shape our lives – and who is behind the algorithms. Highlights of the exhibition and the Futurium Lab include AMI, a humanoid robot by Engineered Arts, and the project ‘TECHnotOXIC’ by the Italian artist Christian Fogarolli, who explores the invisible connections between humans and the digital world. With ‘Geborgte Sinne’ (Borrowed Senses), the Futurium presents two immersive installations that expand human perception. The ‘Vielwelt’ (Becoming Many) project, developed in collaboration with the Future Realities Lab at the Berlin University of Applied Sciences (HTW Berlin), transports visitors on ICAROS flight simulators for 15 minutes into a world beyond human senses. The experience is complemented by the interactive audio station ‘Zwischentöne’ (Subtle Sounds), a collaboration with the Music Design Lab at the Trossingen State University of Music (HfM Trossingen), where new and speculative forms of listening are explored.

Futher information about the new exhibition here.

Opening Programme 
11 September 2026, 18:00-01:00 

Following an introduction by Futurium Director Stefan Brandt, artist Silke Grabinger will present the performance ‘CONVERGENCE: A Negotiation’ with her robot dog ‘Spot’ and an autonomous robot vacuum cleaner – a collaboration between the artist, the Circus of Knowledge, and Johannes Kepler University Linz. In her work, she creates an artistic interaction between man and machine. In the exhibition, visitors can then head to the Thinking Space Technology to test their ability to recognise AI-generated images and meet their digital doppelgängers – a project by the artists Rosi Pernthaller and Jim Kramer. In the forum, the ‘Pillow Fight Club’ invites you to an unusual pillow fight exploring self-improvement, health data and how we treat our own bodies. On stage, experts will discuss, amongst other things, just how intelligent generative AI really is, what neurotechnologies do to our bodies, and why people develop emotional bonds with machines. In the Artist Talk, Christian Fogarolli, together with head of exhibition Gabriele Zipf, will offer insights into his project ‘TECHnotOXIC‘ and the invisible connections between humans and the digital world. To round off the event, futurology, AI ethics, neurotechnology and psychology come together in the ‘communal kitchen’ talk to discuss what a future worth living in, shaped by technology, might look like. A DJ set by doktor:WAFFEL will bring the evening to a close with music from 22:00.

Admission is free. No registration is required. The full programme runs from 18:00 to 01:00; the exhibition and Futurium Lab will be open until 22:00. 
Further information about the opening programme here.

Family Day 
12 September, 10:00-18:00 

On Family Day, Futurium becomes a vibrant place of discovery for everyone. Visitors of all ages can explore the new exhibition and participate in guided tours, hands-on activities and workshops. In ‘Wild Ideas for the Future’, even the youngest children, aged four and above, can design their own inventions for the future and bring them to life using pen and paper, laser cutter and computer. At the Family Open Lab, children aged ten or older explore how humans and machines could collaborate in the future. The ‘Pillow Fight Club’ offers a light-hearted change of perspective, transforming questions about health data, tracking and self-optimisation into an interactive pillow fight. Finally, the talk ‘AI for All: A Reality Check’, featuring Dr Theresa Züger, explores the possibilities, limitations and responsible use of artificial intelligence. From 14:00, DJ Don Andrés will be turning the forecourt into a dance floor with house, disco, Latin influences and funk. A creative day for tinkering, experimenting, discussion and celebration – and for critically reflecting on our relationship with technology.

Admission is free. No registration is required. 
Further information about the programme here.