Jena, February 26, 2026 – The Ernst-Abbe-Hochhaus in the center of Jena will shine in a new light over the coming weeks. Until mid-March, Jenoptik AG is presenting a daily large-scale facade projection featuring fascinating space motifs.
- What: Large-scale light projection (Fulldome Festival imagery)
- When: February 26 to March 15, 2026, daily from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM (starting every full and half hour)
- Where: Ernst-Abbe-Hochhaus (Headquarters of Jenoptik AG), Jena
- Participants: Visual Artists Robert Sawallisch & Robert Metzner, ESA, ESO, NASA
Space Motifs on the Jenoptik Facade
Jenoptik AG continues its tradition of large-scale light art in 2026. On two facades of its headquarters, imagery from the Fulldome Festival Jena, specifically adapted for outdoor spaces, will be shown in the evenings. Visual artists Robert Sawallisch and Robert Metzner produced the content on behalf of the festival. A particular highlight of the projection is the impressive footage integrated into the artwork in cooperation with international space organizations. Original visual materials from the European Space Agency (ESA), the European Southern Observatory (ESO), and the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) are incorporated into the visual presentation.
Harbinger for the Planetarium’s Anniversary Year
The light spectacle at the Ernst-Abbe-Hochhaus serves as an impressive harbinger for this year’s Fulldome Festival, scheduled for July 13 to 19, 2026. This year, the festival is closely linked to a historical milestone for the city: it fits seamlessly into the comprehensive anniversary program of the Planetarium Jena. The tradition-steeped institution will celebrate its 100th anniversary starting this summer, once again placing Jena at the international center of astronomical knowledge transfer.
Background: Light City Jena and the Planetarium
The Ernst-Abbe-Hochhaus at Ernst-Abbe-Platz is not only the architectural centerpiece of today’s Jenoptik Group but also a historical symbol of the optical industry in Jena, which became world-famous through Carl Zeiss, Otto Schott, and Ernst Abbe. Light projections on this prominent building have a special symbolic effect in the so-called “Lichtstadt” (City of Light). The choice of space motifs this year specifically honors the Zeiss-Planetarium Jena. Opened in 1926, it is considered the world’s oldest continuously operating large-scale planetarium. Such art actions in public spaces impressively combine Jena’s history as a high-tech location with modern media art.
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Light projection at the Ernst-Abbe-Hochhaus
Transparency Note: This article was automatically generated, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.