Open Area

Program

Infos

The Open Area is a new public space at Kunst­mu­seum Wolfsburg. Located at the interface between the museum and the city, it is open to the people of Wolfsburg and the surroun­ding region. As an open space for parti­ci­pa­tion, the Open Area is free to access and invites visitors to spend time, connect with others, and take part in a wide range of activities.

In close dialogue with the themes of the museum’s current exhibi­tions, the Education & Outreach team develops workshops, pop-up events, and discus­sion formats in colla­bo­ra­tion with local initia­tives, associa­tions, and partners from across Wolfsburg. The Open Area is a living, evolving platform that responds to contem­porary social issues. It invites visitors to explore together how we want to live in the future and the role that art and culture can play in shaping it.

Spaces

The Open Area comprises three distinct spaces: the Studio, an experi­mental space for creative practice; Ato, a place for meeting and exchange; and the Pavilion on Holler­platz in front of the museum, designed by raumla­bor­berlin. With its direct connec­tion to the Japanese Garden, the Open Area offers a unique atmos­phere that brings together indoor and outdoor spaces as places of inspi­ra­tion. Discover the diverse programme and upcoming events in our event calendar and on the Open Area Instagram channel. You can also find answers to frequently asked questions in our FAQs.

Booking & Use

The Open Area programme is open to parti­ci­pa­tion and continues to evolve organi­cally through ideas and initia­tives emerging from the local community. As a free public space, the Open Area is not intended for commer­cial or business use during opening hours or as part of its ongoing programme. We kindly ask all visitors to use the space in a spirit of community—as a place for exchange, inspi­ra­tion, and shared experiences.

If you are interested in colla­bo­ra­ting with us or have a project idea, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please contact us at openarea@kunstmuseum.de. For exclusive venue hire outside regular opening hours, please get in touch with our Events Team.

Come by, bring your ideas and your friends—we look forward to welcoming you to the Open Area!

Magazine

FAQs

Why does the Open Area exist?

As a museum with a social mission, we want to streng­then our connec­tion with the local community and create a “third place” in Wolfsburg that is open to everyone. The Open Area is our experi­mental space for exploring social issues, encou­ra­ging parti­ci­pa­tion, and fostering democratic dialogue and community.

What can I do in the Open Area?

The Open Area invites you to get involved, take part in a diverse programme, and experi­ence activi­ties that bring people together through creati­vity, colla­bo­ra­tion, and shared experi­ences. The spaces offer room to meet, exchange ideas, and spend time together—without any obliga­tion to consume. They provide an inspiring setting for a wide range of activi­ties, including readings, workshops, concerts, communal cooking, artistic inter­ven­tions, dancing, discus­sions, and much more.

Where can I find the Open Area, and when is it open?

The Open Area is located on the ground floor of Kunst­mu­seum Wolfsburg and includes the Studio, Ato, and the Japanese Garden. Each of these spaces has a direct visual connec­tion to the surroun­ding city and Holler­platz. The Open Area does not have regular opening hours. You can find the current programme in our event calendar and on Instagram. One exception is the Pavilion on the museum forecourt, which is open to the public all year round and can also be used as a place to relax and spend time outside the scheduled programme.

How can I take part in the programme?

All Open Area events are free of charge and open to everyone—no museum ticket is required. You can simply drop by and see what’s happening or browse our event calendar to find activi­ties that interest you. If you represent an initia­tive or have a project idea that could be a good fit for the Open Area, just send us an email at openarea@kunstmuseum.de. We’re always happy to hear new ideas and welcome fresh perspectives!

In colla­bo­ra­tion with:

In colla­bo­ra­tion with the Youth, Education, Integra­tion and Social Affairs Depart­ment of the City of Wolfsburg.

Supported by:

Supported by funds from the Federal Government Commis­sioner for Culture and the Media (BKM) through the federal programme “Invest­ments in Natio­nally Signi­fi­cant Cultural Insti­tu­tions in Germany (INK).”

www.kulturstaatsminister.de