“Howl” at Theaterhaus Jena: A Cry Against Conformity

Theaterhaus Jena presents an intense solo performance of Allen Ginsberg’s iconic poem “Howl.” Premiering on February 19, 2026, this English-language production features Thato Kämmerer in a physically demanding exploration of madness and materialism. Tailored for Jena’s international community, the play bridges literary history with contemporary performance art, offering a visceral experience of one of the Beat Generation’s most influential works.

Culture Compass for Jena: New Exhibitions and Holiday Tips in February

Explore Jena’s vibrant cultural scene this February! From the fascinating world of biominerals at the Friedrich-Schiller-Universität to inclusive art at the Ernst-Abbe-Bücherei, there is plenty to discover before the winter holidays begin. Our guide covers everything from local museum highlights to exciting day trips across Thüringen, ensuring you make the most of the season despite the gray weather.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.