A shell-shaped science center opened in 2000 near the University of Bremen, with over 250 hands-on exhibits across three themed areas exploring the human body, planet Earth and outer space.
Universum Bremen occupies a distinctive shell-shaped building near the University of Bremen, opened in 2000 and easily recognized by its curved, silvery exterior evoking a mussel or a spaceship. Inside, over 250 hands-on exhibits are organized across three themed areas exploring the human body, planet Earth and outer space, ranging from a giant soap-bubble station and a walk-through model of the human circulatory system to a moon-gravity simulator and displays on renewable energy and climate. The science center is built around active experimentation rather than passive viewing, with almost every exhibit designed to be touched, pedaled, cranked or climbed into, making it a full-day draw for families with children of a wide age range. A visit typically runs 2.5 to 3.5 hours to work through the main areas, longer with a stop in the science theater, which runs live demonstration shows on a rotating schedule throughout the day. Weekday mornings, especially outside German school holidays, offer the shortest queues for the most popular hands-on stations; weekends and holiday periods see school groups and families fill the space by late morning. The outdoor terrain includes a climbing structure and water-play area open in warmer months.
| Admission | Adult €18 (approx $19.45); reduced €12 (approx $13) · Child Included in family ticket €42 (approx $45.35) for 2 adults and up to 3 children |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily 9AM-6PM (hours can vary seasonally, verify before visiting) |
| Typical visit | 2.5-3.5 hours |
| Best time | Weekday mornings, especially outside German school holidays |
| Getting there | Tram 6 to Universitat/Zentralbereich, then a short walk, or the NordWestBahn to Bremen-Universitat |
| Address | Wiener Strasse 1a, 28359 Bremen, Germany |
Weather through the year in Bremen
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Bremen.
Location
Wiener Strasse 1a, 28359 Bremen, Germany
53.1054, 8.8517 View on map
Highlights
- Over 250 hands-on exhibits across body, Earth and space themes
- Distinctive shell-shaped building near the University of Bremen
- Live science demonstration shows in the on-site theater
- Outdoor climbing structure and seasonal water-play area
- Family ticket pricing for groups of up to five
Tips for visiting
- Visit on a weekday morning outside German school holidays to avoid the longest queues
- Check the science theater show schedule on arrival and plan the visit around it
- Family tickets covering two adults and up to three children offer better value than individual tickets
- Wear comfortable clothes, since most exhibits involve physical activity
- Allow extra time in warmer months for the outdoor climbing and water-play areas
When to visit
Weekday mornings outside German school holiday periods have the shortest queues at the most popular hands-on exhibits.
Accessibility
The building is wheelchair accessible with ramps and elevators between exhibit levels, and many hands-on stations are designed at accessible heights.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
Most visitors spend 2.5 to 3.5 hours working through the main exhibit areas.
Is it worth it for kids?
Yes, the hands-on format is built specifically for families and engages children across a wide age range.
Is photography allowed?
Photography is generally permitted throughout the exhibit halls for personal, non-commercial use.