Concept and History
© uliP photography
Concept
The EXPERIMINTA ScienceCentre is not a traditional museum, but a place where science can be experienced first-hand.
As an extracurricular learning centre, our aim is to stimulate curiosity. For science, and for your own thinking. Here, you don’t just look; you experiment, ask questions and marvel.
Our interactive stations encourage you to explore phenomena for yourself, test hypotheses and learn through experimentation. There’s no passive watching here, only active participation.
Our focus is not only on STEM education, but also on fostering enthusiasm for mathematics, IT, science and technology.
It’s a place for the joy of discovery, open to all age groups with programmes ranging from the permanent exhibition to workshops and science shows.
We don’t teach people, we inspire them.
History
2006
The beginning of an idea
The EXPERIMINTA success story began with a vision: a centre for mathematical and scientific culture (ZMNK). The idea originated from a citizens’ initiative initially involving five citizens and is slowly taking shape. All this is happening in discussions and cooperation with the Physikalischer Verein, the Polytechnische Gesellschaft foundation, the Frankfurt am Main Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Goethe University, the City of Frankfurt, the Hessian Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs, and many other institutions and foundations.
2007
A major success leads to first steps
The launch is scheduled for November 2007! Equipped with exhibits on loan from Phänomenta in Flensburg and Mathematikum in Giessen, the temporary exhibition ‘Experimentieren!’ (Experiment!) will open on the premises of the Physics Association in Frankfurt.
The rush is overwhelming, with 10,000 visitors in just four weeks. This success encourages the members of the initiative to found the ExperMINTa e.V. support association in spring 2008.
In the following years, an exhibition concept is developed on a voluntary basis, initial funding is acquired and expertise is gathered from existing science centres.
2011
The Science Centre opens its doors
After an intensive search, a home is finally found, and on 11 March 2011, the EXPERIMINTA Science Centre FrankfurtRhineMain opens its doors at Hamburger Allee 22-24.
The Friends Association takes over its operation, supported by a dedicated team of volunteers, students and the first full-time staff.
The EXPERIMINTA Science Centre quickly becomes one of the most popular extracurricular learning venues for families, schools and curious explorers of all ages.
2016
A special honour
In November 2016, the social commitment of the EXPERIMINTA Science Centre will be honoured in a ceremony: in the festive Kaisersaal of Frankfurt’s Römer, the Lord Mayor will present the Walter Möller Plaque, worth €10,000, to the board of the Friends’ Association.
2017
Records and a tailwind
In 2017, the 100,000 visitor mark was broken for the first time. This was a significant success that would be surpassed several times over in the following years.
2019
A new framework for a growing project
The growing importance of the EXPERIMINTA ScienceCenter calls for new structures. In 2019, the association will become a non-profit limited company, taking over operations on 1 February 2020. However, the Friends’ Association will remain closely involved as a shareholder and continue to provide passionate support.
Festival 2019
2020
A Science Centre during the Pandemic
Like most museums and leisure facilities worldwide, we have also experienced a turning point in 2020. The pandemic has hit us hard. Our doors remain closed and we had to rethink our formats. However, the team is sticking together, developing creative ideas and maintaining their energy and confidence.
Since reopening in February 2022, visitor numbers have risen significantly: 75,500 in 2022, 131,942 in 2023, and 124,304 in 2024. The EXPERIMINTA ScienceCentre is alive and growing.
Heute
Passionate about the future!
EXPERIMINTA is more than just a science centre; it is a place where enthusiasm becomes tangible. Our team works tirelessly every day to ignite the joy of discovery, through our permanent exhibition, science shows, workshops, educational projects, digital innovations, and above all, our passion.
In 2025, we celebrated a very special moment when our 1.3 millionth guest visited the museum. This is a testament to the lasting relevance and constant evolution of our work.
EXPERIMINTA is a science centre that continues to evolve alongside its visitors, full of hope, ideas and commitment.
…And the next chapter is currently being written…
