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The participatory science space will remain in the city center for two years
What began as a temporary project is now becoming a permanent fixture in Darmstadt's city center: The SCIENCE POP-UP of the GSI Helmholtz Centre for Heavy Ion Research and the FAIR will remain in its premises at Ernst-Ludwig-Straße 22 for at least another two years. The interactive, hands-on space for science enthusiasts of all ages will thus become a permanent hub for experiencing cutting-edge research firsthand in downtown Darmstadt .
Since its opening in March 2025, the SCIENCE POP-UP has welcomed around 10,000 visitors, including 55 school classes and numerous workshop participants. Originally planned for just a few months, the project was extended until the end of December 2025 due to its overwhelming popularity. With a new long-term lease, the offering will now become a permanent fixture of Darmstadt's science landscape. Plans include both new content and an expansion of programs for school classes of all ages.
Interactive insights into cutting-edge research
The interactive exhibit conveys complex concepts from modern physics in a playful and engaging way. Visitors can explore the world of particle accelerators, the origin of the elements, and the use of cutting-edge research technology. Particularly popular are interactive stations such as a throwing game simulating element formation, an accelerator game, a cloud chamber, and a virtual reality station that uses VR glasses to take visitors directly to the facilities of GSI and FAIR.
As cutting-edge research – like the major FAIR project on the Darmstadt-Wixhausen campus – continues to advance, the SCIENCE POP-UP will also evolve regularly without abandoning its proven concept. The goal remains to make science accessible and, at the same time, to foster the interest of future researchers.
Very positive feedback and measurable learning success
A qualitative evaluation of the program reveals high levels of satisfaction: More than three-quarters of visitors rated the SCIENCE POP-UP as "very positive." Learning success is also clearly measurable. While between 46 and 65 percent of the subject-specific questions in a quiz were answered correctly before the visit, this figure rose to over 85 percent afterward. A scientific evaluation conducted in cooperation with the Technical University of Darmstadt confirmed the success of the concept.
Professor Thomas Nilsson, Scientific Director of GSI and FAIR, emphasizes: “Our SCIENCE POP-UP has shown how great the interest in science and technology is in Darmstadt. With its permanent establishment, we want to give even more people the opportunity to come into contact with our research and awaken the fascination for physics in young and old alike.”
Opening hours and further information
The SCIENCE POP-UP at Ernst-Ludwig-Straße 22 is open to everyone. Up-to-date information on opening hours, events, and offers can be found GSI and FAIR website for the SCIENCE POP-UP
(DARMSTADT – RED/PM/GSI/FAIR)
Featured image: GSI/FAIR)
