Just ten days to go! Long Night of Science 2026

Around 500 events: Jena showcases the diversity of its scientific community

Would you like to marvel at holograms of the future that have never before been shown to the general public? Or meet the experts from the new ZDF documentary ‘Mission Penguin’? Perhaps you’re also interested in the technology from Jena that’s on board NASA’s Artemis moon mission? These and many more highlights await guests at the Long Night of Science on 20 November!

For months now, preparations for this special evening have been underway at Jena’s institutions, laboratories, companies, universities, museums and research centres. Thanks to a great deal of dedication, a comprehensive programme has been put together that showcases the diversity of Jena as a centre of science. This year, more than 500 programme items invite you to discover exciting fields of research, try out new things and take a look behind the scenes. Further information on the highlights can be found in the attachment to this press release.

A whole evening spent looking behind the scenes of science

The Long Night of Science in Jena aims to bring science and research closer to a broad audience of all ages and to communicate knowledge in an accessible way. The range of topics extends from everyday questions to specialised research subjects. With its renowned universities, high-performing companies and diverse research institutions, Jena is a major centre of science and innovation with national and international influence.

On this evening, numerous institutions will open their doors and offer insights into areas of work and research projects that are otherwise rarely accessible to the public. With experiments, talks, workshops and guided tours, they offer a varied programme for all age groups, regardless of prior knowledge. This makes science accessible and relevant to everyday life.

There’s plenty going on: doors will be opening in these four areas of the city

• City centre
• Carl-Zeiss-Promenade/Beutenberg Campus
• Göschwitz/Jena 21
• Lobeda

Opening event: ‘We’re celebrating science!’

This year, the Ernst Abbe University of Applied Sciences Jena is hosting the opening event, marking the start of an evening during which universities, research institutions and companies across Jena will showcase themselves and provide insights into their scientific work. Under the motto ‘We Celebrate Science!’, the focus is on the importance of science and research for the region, as well as the people and institutions that shape it. At the same time, the opening provides an opportunity to look back on 35 years of the Ernst Abbe University of Applied Sciences Jena and ten editions of the Long Night of Science. Anyone interested is warmly invited to join us for the start of this anniversary edition from 5.00 pm in the university’s auditorium.

Important information: Tickets & local transport

Prices

Full price (advance): €9.00 | On the door: €11.00
Concession* (advance): €5.00 | On the door: €7.00
Free admission: Admission is free for those aged 16 and under!**
Advance sales until 20 November | 6.00 pm

Jena Tourist Information, Am Markt 16, Mon–Fri: 10 am–6 pm (until 10 pm on 20 November 2026), Saturday 10 am–2 pm
Online: www.jena.de/tickets

Evening ticket offices

Wristbands can also be purchased in the evening. From 6 pm to 10 pm at the following locations:

• Jena University Hospital, Am Klinikum 1 (main entrance)
• Jenoptik (Technology Centre), Göschwitzer Str. 25
• Beutenberg Campus, Abbe Centre Jena, Hans-Knöll-Straße 1
• Ernst Abbe University of Applied Sciences Jena, Carl-Zeiss-Promenade 2 (Building 2, main entrance)
• Friedrich Schiller University of Jena, Ernst-Abbe-Platz/Carl-Zeiss-Straße 3
  

Please note

The Print@Home ticket or mobile ticket must first be exchanged for an admission wristband. This can be done at the Jena Tourist Information Centre from now on, and on the evening of the event at the box office as well. We recommend exchanging your ticket early, as queues often form in the evening!

Children and young people up to and including the age of 16 also receive free admission, but must first obtain a ticket or admission wristband.

The admission wristband serves as a free travel pass within the VMT fare zone 30/Jena on the day of the event, 20 November 2026, until 3 am the following day.

Access to the events is not possible without an admission wristband!
The organiser’s terms and conditions apply: www.lndw-jena.de / www.jenakultur.de

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*Those eligible for concessions include students, school pupils, Jenapass holders, people with severe disabilities, apprentices, participants in the Federal Voluntary Service and senior citizens. Where people with severe disabilities require the assistance of a carer, admission is free for that carer.

**Children and school pupils up to and including the age of 16 receive free admission upon purchase of a free ticket (in the form of an admission wristband). The admission wristband must nevertheless be obtained in advance before access to the events can be granted. The free admission wristband also serves as a travel ticket.