Culture & Events

Current event tips, concerts, exhibitions, and cultural highlights in Jena. Find out what’s happening at the Kulturarena, Theaterhaus, and the clubs of the ‘Lichtstadt’.

Medals for Jena’s Young Musicians: MKS Triumphs at “Jugend musiziert”

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Jena’s reputation as a city of music shines once again. At this year’s regional “Jugend musiziert” competition, students from the Musik- und Kunstschule Jena (MKS) achieved record-breaking results. With 61 first prizes and 32 qualifications for the state competition, these young talents demonstrated exceptional skill across various categories. Learn how Jena’s budding artists are preparing for the next stage of Germany’s most prestigious youth music contest.

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Major Donation in Jena: 10,000 Euros for the Parents’ Initiative for Children with Cancer

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A significant 10,000-euro donation from STREICHER Tief- und Ingenieurbau Jena GmbH & Co. KG will support the Elterninitiative für krebskranke Kinder. This funding ensures the continuation of vital youth meetings and peer support programs at Universitätsklinikum Jena, providing emotional healing for young patients and their families.

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Classical in the Club: Jena Philharmonic brings “Black Box” to Kassablanca

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The Jena Philharmonic returns to the legendary Kassablanca club for its “Black Box” series on February 10, 2026. Breaking with traditional etiquette, the orchestra’s trumpet section and viola will explore the theme of “Thirst,” inspired by author Max Frisch. This experimental format bridges the gap between high culture and the club scene, offering an intimate and unconventional musical experience.

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Renovation of Stadtkirche St. Michael: Vaulting Exposed and Crane Deployment at Kirchplatz

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Significant progress is being made on the renovation of Jena’s Stadtkirche St. Michael. After debris was cleared from the vaulting to reveal historical structures, a crane will be deployed at Kirchplatz this Tuesday to remove materials. Archaeologists are also on-site searching for historical artifacts in the rubble, while the community has already contributed over 65,000 Euros to support this vital preservation effort.

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Winter Holidays 2026 in Jena: Creative Highlights for Children and Families

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With the winter holidays approaching from February 16 to 22, 2026, Jena offers a variety of creative activities for families. From fairytale shadow theater at the Romantikerhaus to intergalactic art workshops at the Kunstsammlung Jena, there is plenty to explore. Programs are budget-friendly, starting at just 1 Euro for children, making it easy to experience culture and art throughout the city and surrounding region.

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Jena Adventure Days 2026: World Travel and Extremes at Kulturkirche Löbstedt

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Experience the world in Jena! From February 20-22, 2026, the 3rd Adventure Days at Kulturkirche Löbstedt will host ten live presentations. Highlights include Richard Löwenherz’s Siberian fatbike tour and Rico Reißmann’s decade-long world journey that began right at Jena’s Eichplatz. This festival blends professional photography with personal storytelling for all globetrotters and outdoor enthusiasts.

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On the Path to Elite Status: Jena Eyes “University of Excellence” Title and Millions in Funding

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Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena is aiming for the top tier of German academia. With two successful Clusters of Excellence already secured, the university is now bidding for the prestigious title of “University of Excellence.” If successful in 2026, the status would bring massive financial backing and international prestige, further cementing Jena’s position as a leading global hub for research and science.

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Sensational Find in Chile: Jena Researchers Discover Triassic “Time Capsule”

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Scientists from Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena have uncovered an exceptionally rich fossil site in Chile’s Atacama-Wüste. This 200-million-year-old “time capsule” contains perfectly preserved insects, fish, and plants from the Triassic period. This discovery offers unprecedented insights into the ancient supercontinent Gondwana and helps researchers understand how life recovers after global mass extinctions.

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Events in Jena: Highlights for February 2026 and Beyond

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At a Glance: Shows & Musicals: “Beat It!” (13.02.) and “Aladin” (19./20.02.) kick off the season. Sports: Science City Jena hosts top opponents like Oldenburg and Hamburg in the spring. Culture: Reading with Roland Jankowsky (“Overbeck”) on 25.02.2026. Outlook: Top comedians like Mario Barth and Ralf Schmitz will arrive later in the year. Jena, 08.02.2026 … Read more

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Sensation in the Atacama-Wüste: Jena Researchers Discover 200-Million-Year-Old Ecosystem

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An international research team led by the Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena has uncovered a remarkably preserved Triassic ecosystem in the Atacama-Wüste. Featuring fish, insects, and plants, this 200-million-year-old find offers a rare window into the ancient supercontinent of Gondwana and provides crucial clues about how life recovers after mass extinction events.

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