COSMO Wissenschaftsforum

In the location's words:

Experience Research—Right in the Heart of Dresden

On the 15th floor of the Kulturpalast, in the heart of Dresden’s Old Town, right next to boutiques, ice cream shops, and sidewalk cafés, an oasis for the curious has been open since September 2022: the COSMO Science Forum. Spanning about 120 square meters, behind large-scale printed glass facades, the opposite of what most people think of as science takes place here every day. Here, research isn’t a closed-off world confined to laboratories; it’s open, interactive, and accessible. This is where society and research meet. Here, knowledge is shared, questions are asked, and experiments are conducted together.

COSMO is aimed at everyone, especially those who have had little contact with science so far: children, teenagers, and adults; people from Dresden, tourists, and families on summer vacation. A visitor survey revealed that the majority of visitors discovered COSMO by chance—while walking past the glass facade. The team deliberately designed this low-barrier access. A vibrant window display, easy-to-read banners, and an inviting view into the exhibition space: everything is designed to spark curiosity without overwhelming visitors.

The numbers speak for themselves: Since opening in 2022, five exhibitions have been organized. 70 public events. 40 workshops for schoolchildren. Over 3,400 visitors to the exhibitions. 650 students in workshops. 2,100 people at events. The numbers are rising steadily.

A place of encounter—science for people’s everyday lives

The secret of COSMO lies in its approach: science isn’t explained— it’s experienced. The exhibition themes are based on what people are actually concerned about. One example: ChatGPT. When the language model was launched in 2022, it visibly changed the daily lives of many people. The COSMO exhibition “Artificial Intelligence Explained” (September 2023 – January 2024) addressed this phenomenon and explored: How does AI really work? What opportunities and risks does it present? How are Dresden’s research institutes working with AI?

The team works closely with local research institutes. For the upcoming exhibition “Dr. Zukunft – Medical Technology from Dresden’s Scientific Community” (starting in September 2024), 13 of the 14 exhibits will be custom-made specifically for the show. The scientists themselves are getting creative: they’re working with graphic design agencies, using 3D printers, employing traditional craftsmanship, and staying actively involved. In the “Researchers Up Close” segment, visitors can engage directly with them in conversation.

Playful Instead of Sterile—How Interactivity Breaks Down Barriers

COSMO deliberately focuses on playfulness. A “driving simulator” lets visitors discover that autonomous vehicles need high-quality data. An “arcade” with AI games poses the question: Is this generated by AI or made by humans? Infrared sensors make invisible thermal radiation visible—live in a self-portrait.

It works. Teachers reported that students focused on the exhibits for an exceptionally long time and were full of curiosity. Visitors said: “The playful element makes it easier for me to engage with scientific topics. I’m less afraid of lacking background knowledge. I enjoy the process of discovery.”

Current Exhibition: Lines of Light

June 9 – August 18, 2026
Theme: Visible Light and Invisible Electromagnetic Waves

The current exhibition “Lines of Light” asks: Why do we see only a small fraction of light? How do research and technology make invisible electromagnetic waves visible?

The HZDR (Helmholtz Center Dresden-Rossendorf) showcases current projects from Dresden: How is radiation measured, used, and shaped? At interactive stations, visitors can experiment for themselves:

• (In)visible Selfies: Infrared sensors can see through certain materials
• Spectral Objects: Polarized light reveals hidden structures in everyday objects
• Glowing Minerals: UV light makes rocks glow and reveals their composition
• Camera obscura & experimental installations: Measurability meets imagination

The exhibition is free, accessible, and presented in German and English.

The Event Program—More Than Just Exhibitions

COSMO is not static. Alongside each exhibition, there is a comprehensive program of events:

For adults:

• Science Cafés: Discussions over coffee and conversations with researchers
• Fishbowls: Moderated discussion panels
• Talks: Direct exchanges with scientists
• Long Night of Science: Annual highlight with partners from the Dresden Science Alliance

For children and teens:

• Workshops: Deeper insights into specific topics (programming, data protection, medical technology)
• School Tours: Exclusive tours of the current exhibition
• Special events: e.g., a children’s book author reading on AI at the Central Library combined with a workshop

Practical Information

Location: Schlossstr. 2, 01067 Dresden (Kulturpalast Dresden, ground floor)
Hours: Tuesday–Thursday, 1:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. (except holidays)
Admission: Free
Accessibility: Fully accessible, wheelchair-friendly
Contact: info@cosmo-wissenschaftsforum.de
Website: www.cosmo-wissenschaftsforum.de

Directions:
Centrally located in Dresden’s Old Town, right next to the Kulturpalast. Within walking distance of the Altmarkt, the Frauenkirche, or the Zwinger.

Frequently Asked Questions About the COSMO Science Forum

1. Is COSMO really free? Are there any hidden fees?

Yes, admission to COSMO is completely free—no hidden fees and no registration required. Visitors can simply drop by, walk in, and explore the current exhibition. Most events are also free of charge (e.g., Science Cafés, talks with researchers). Only special workshops for school groups or guided tours outside of regular opening hours are arranged on a case-by-case basis. COSMO was explicitly designed as a low-barrier gateway to science—there should be no financial barriers.

2. Can I visit COSMO without an appointment, or do I need to register?

Visitors can drop by spontaneously at any time during regular opening hours (Tue–Thu, 1:00–6:00 p.m.)—no advance registration required, no tickets needed. That’s the concept: low-barrier, open science in the Old Town. Only for group tours (10 or more people), school workshops, or events outside regular opening hours is it necessary to contact us in advance at info@cosmo-wissenschaftsforum.de.

3. What age groups are the exhibitions suitable for? Are there special programs for children?

The exhibitions are aimed at all age groups; there is no age limit. The interactive exhibits are designed so that children, teens, and adults alike can benefit from them. The playful elements are particularly emphasized for children and teens; they focus on the exhibits for longer and experience less frustration due to a lack of background knowledge.

Workshops specifically for children and teens are held regularly (e.g., on programming, AI, and medical technology) to explore individual topics in greater depth. These are developed in collaboration with scientists and often take place in partnership with the Central Library or other partners.

4. What is the difference between regular opening hours and the workshops? When is each option best?

Regular opening hours (Tue–Thu, 1:00–6:00 p.m.):
Spontaneous visits without prior registration. Perfect for passersby, families on summer vacation, and anyone looking for a quick glimpse (15 min.–2 hrs.). Free of charge; explore interactive exhibits on your own.

Workshops:
Programs for school groups and interested children/teens who want to delve deeper into a specific topic (e.g., “How does AI learn?”). Led by scientists or educators. Usually in the morning or in the evening. Required: Advance registration at info@cosmo-wissenschaftsforum.de.

Event Program:
Special events such as science cafés, talks, and panel discussions. Some take place in the evening or outside regular opening hours. Often geared toward adults. Costs vary; many are free.

5. How is a new exhibition created at COSMO? How long are the exhibits on display?

COSMO works closely with local research institutions. The process:

1. The team reaches out to institutions that would like to present their research
2. Together, they consider: What exhibits already exist? What needs to be developed from scratch?
3. The COSMO team provides expertise on target audiences, interactivity, and educational outreach
4. For the current exhibition, 13 of the 14 exhibits were custom-made

Duration: Exhibitions typically run for 2–4 months. The current exhibition, “Lichtlinien,” runs from June 9 to August 18, 2026. It will be followed by a new exhibition with a new theme.