📌 At a Glance: Highlights in Jena
- Mineralogical Collection: Exhibition “Alles Bio – oder was?” (until May 6).
- Opening Hours: Mon. & Thu., 13:00 – 17:00 (Sellierstraße 6).
- Ernst-Abbe-Bücherei: Art show “Wegzehrung” by Lebenshilfe (until March 9).
- Special Feature: Admission to both mentioned exhibitions is free of charge.
- Holiday Outlook: Start of the winter holidays in Thüringen from February 16.
Jena (10.02.2026) – February may often be gray in terms of weather, but the cultural calendar in Jena and the Thüringen region offers colorful and informative highlights during these weeks. Shortly before the start of the winter holidays on February 16, it is worth taking a look at the current offerings in the city on the Saale, ranging from scientific discoveries to inclusive art.
Hands-on Science: When Stones Seem Alive
The Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena is well-known for its extensive collections. A particular highlight is currently being offered by the Mineralogical Collection at Sellierstraße 6. Under the provocative title “Alles Bio – oder was?” (All Bio – Or What?), a new special exhibition is dedicated to the fascinating world of biominerals.
The exhibition builds a bridge between living and inanimate nature. Visitors learn that the boundaries are often more fluid than one might assume in everyday life. Exhibits include medical phenomena such as kidney and gallstones, as well as aesthetic wonders of nature like corals, manganese nodules, and fossilized biomats. Mineral structures found in plants and animals are also highlighted. Anyone interested in geology or biology has until May 6 to visit. Admission is free, and the collection is open on Monday and Thursday afternoons.
Art and Inclusion at the Ernst-Abbe-Bücherei
The Ernst-Abbe-Bücherei (EAB) in Jena also serves as more than just a place for reading this February—it is acting as a gallery. Under the motto “Wegzehrung – Von Büchern, Bildnerei und Klängen” (Provisions – Of Books, Visual Arts, and Sounds), 24 artists from the Saale-Betreuungswerk der Lebenshilfe Jena are presenting their work.
The show, located on the first and second floors, impresses with its diversity: paintings, drawings, and ceramic works showcase colorful and imaginative perspectives. This exhibition underlines the importance of cultural participation and provides the artists of Lebenshilfe with a prominent stage in the heart of the city center. Interested visitors can view the works during the library’s regular opening hours until March 9.
Looking Beyond: Excursion Tips for the Winter Holidays
With the winter holidays approaching in mid-February, attention is also turning beyond Jena’s city limits. For families planning day trips, Thüringen currently offers a wide-ranging program:
- Sondershausen: The Schlossmuseum attracts visitors with special fairytale tours. Especially exciting for children is the flashlight tour on February 14, where historical rooms are explored in an evening atmosphere.
- Kahla / Leuchtenburg: A destination in the immediate vicinity of Jena is the Leuchtenburg. Currently, not only is a new elevator for accessibility being built, but also a unique piece of art: a tapestry made of porcelain and wool will soon welcome visitors to the castle—an innovative combination of traditional Thüringer craftsmanship.
- Nordhausen: Those interested in everyday history will find historical anecdotes regarding coffee, cake, and school history at the Museum Flohburg.
Musical Outlook
February also has plenty in store for music fans. Event calendars in Jena, Erfurt, and Weimar feature names like “Die Nerven” or “Die Seilschaft.” For lovers of folk and soft rock, the performance by the duo “Minor Gold” on February 13 at the Suhl Kulturbaustelle is an insider tip.
Whether you want to dive into the world of minerals, support local art, or plan a family trip to the surrounding area—the coming weeks in Jena and Thüringen offer diverse opportunities to stay active this winter.