Jena, 02.05.2026 – Following Carl Zeiß, the Jena scientist and entrepreneur Ernst Abbe is now also receiving his own Playmobil figure. The detailed miniature edition, showing Abbe together with a cat, honors the life’s work of the significant reformer.
- What: New Playmobil special figure
- Motif: Ernst Abbe with cat
- Background: Tribute as a scientist, entrepreneur, and social reformer of the city of Jena
Honor for a Key Figure from Jena
The toy homage to Ernst Abbe joins the series of significant historical personalities. After the mechanic and entrepreneur Carl Zeiß was already immortalized as a Playmobil figure, his long-time companion and business partner now follows. The small plastic figure is elaborately designed and is intended not only to appeal to collectors but also to playfully commemorate the scientist’s legacy. The unconventional depiction with a cat also gives the miniature a personal, charming touch.
Background: Who was Ernst Abbe?
Ernst Karl Abbe (1840–1905) was a German physicist, optician, entrepreneur, and social reformer. Together with Carl Zeiß and Otto Schott, he created the scientific foundations of modern optics in the 19th century and made Jena a world center for the precision mechanical and optical industry. With the founding of the Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung, he not only secured the economic existence of the companies but also introduced social achievements that were revolutionary for the time, such as the eight-hour day, pension entitlements, and paid leave. His work significantly shapes the university city of Jena as a location for science and business to this day.
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Abbe with Cat – New Playmobil figure presented
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