Pupils ask questions and carry out experiments alongside scientists, spoken-word poets share their linguistic skills, and exhibitions demonstrate how science is deeply embedded in our everyday lives. Since 20 July 2021, the Humboldt Labor has been a vibrant hub for dialogue between science and the public. Over the past five years, more than 372,000 people have visited it. It has successfully established itself as an extracurricular learning space, a workshop for ideas and an important venue for the lively exchange of knowledge between the university and the public. “The Humboldt Labor is a vibrant hub for interdisciplinary research, societal perspectives and dialogue on an equal footing,” says Prof. Dr Julia von Blumenthal, President of Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, on the occasion of its fifth anniversary.
Diverse formats, participation and strong networks
In addition to exhibitions, the multifunctional exhibition space regularly hosts workshops, lectures, panel discussions and artistic performances on current research topics. Here, unlike in a lecture theatre, researchers can explore new ways and opportunities to engage with members of the public. For example, at “Meet the Scientist”, visitors gain insights into everyday research life. Formats such as the ‘#Logoskop’ offer a poetic approach to science. School and family workshops, as well as the lectures at the Children’s University, tackle current topics in an age-appropriate manner. Exhibition content is developed collaboratively – for example, through new future scenarios for Berlin’s Lustgarten. Furthermore, the Humboldt Labor thrives on strong collaborations – both within the scientific community, such as the current partnership with the SCRIPTS Cluster of Excellence, and with non-academic partners such as the Neukölln Opera and the inclusive Ramba Zamba Theatre.
The Humboldt Labor’s programmes are popular with both Berlin’s residents and tourists. In its opening year alone, 2021, the Humboldt Labor welcomed 58,407 visitors; by 2024, the HU President had already welcomed the 250,000th visitor. By the end of June, a good 31,000 visitors had already been recorded for 2026.
Exhibitions ‘After Nature’ and ‘On Water. Water Knowledge in Berlin’
The inaugural exhibition “Nach der Natur” (Inspired by Nature), organised by Berlin’s Clusters of Excellence and other scientific institutions and on display until 2025, focused on the interplay between climate change, biodiversity loss and global crises. The current exhibition “On Water. WasserWissen in Berlin”, organised by the Berlin University Alliance – the network of excellence comprising Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Technische Universität Berlin and Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin – features more than 50 scientists and six artists to demonstrate the diversity of water-related research. It showcases research and art projects that explore water from different perspectives. In addition, there are activities such as water walks along the Spree Island and workshops in which school classes tackle social issues relating to water and climate change.
Anniversary Action Day
To mark its fifth anniversary, the Humboldt Labor is hosting an action day on 11 July 2026 under the title ‘Hands-on Science’. The programme includes a film screening, two ‘Meet the Scientist’ talks, a special edition of ‘#Logoskop’, short guided tours of the exhibition, and the children’s and family workshop ‘WasserGestalten’.
In future, too, the aim is to learn with and from one another – by experimenting with new formats and synergies that will gradually expand the exhibition. The Humboldt Labor remains an important venue for the exchange of knowledge between the university and the public: open, participatory and closely attuned to the issues facing society.