Anniversary exhibition in Karlsruhe: Bringing 200 years of KIT to life!

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Experience the anniversary exhibition “200 Years of KIT” at the ZKM Karlsruhe from April 11th to October 19th, 2025 with historical objects.

Erleben Sie die Jubiläumsausstellung „200 Jahre KIT“ im ZKM Karlsruhe vom 11. April bis 19. Oktober 2025 mit historischen Objekten.
Experience the anniversary exhibition “200 Years of KIT” at the ZKM Karlsruhe from April 11th to October 19th, 2025 with historical objects.

Anniversary exhibition in Karlsruhe: Bringing 200 years of KIT to life!

On April 11, 2025, the anniversary exhibition of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) was ceremoniously opened. Under the title "200 years of KIT - 100 objects. Parts of the whole. Selected objects from the history of KIT." in the ZKM | Center for Art and Media Karlsruhe, the exhibition is open to visitors free of charge until October 19, 2025. The show features impressive objects that illustrate KIT's long tradition, including the hydrogen van from the 1980s, historical mechanical engineering models from 1860 and the Sistrah lamp from 1930.

The registration and active participation of KIT relatives and alumni were of great importance for the exhibition. As part of the “Call for Objects”, these valuable objects and stories contributed to the development of KIT. The exhibition offers a comprehensive insight into studying, working and life at one of the oldest and largest scientific institutions for natural sciences and technology in Germany.

Interactive experiences and digital extensions

An interactive media table allows visitors to explore chronologically arranged wooden panels with details and stories from 200 years of KIT. In addition, an online presentation complements the exhibits shown on site and offers the opportunity to discover further objects and information about the 200-year history of KIT. The online exhibition will be available for five years and represents a valuable contribution to digital participation.

In addition to this impressive exhibition, other events are planned as part of the anniversary. On February 20, 2025, a celebratory ceremony will take place in the Black Forest Hall and Garden Hall of the Karlsruhe Congress Center. Here visitors can expect a festive stage program, including musical accompaniment by the KIT Big Band.

Festivities and program items in the anniversary year

  • Neujahrskonzert mit der KIT Philharmonie: 06. Januar 2025, Audimax, KIT Campus Süd, 17 Uhr.
  • Tag der offenen Tür und Campustag: 17. Mai 2025, KIT Campus Süd, mit Mitmachaktionen und Vorträgen.
  • Dîner au KIT: 04. Juli 2025, KIT Campus Süd, mit Live-Musik und Lichtshow.
  • KIT Science Week: 14. – 19. Oktober 2025, diverse Locations in Karlsruhe, Thema „Stadt der Zukunft“.
  • Finissage der Jubiläumsausstellung: 19. Oktober 2025 im ZKM, mit Sektempfang.
  • DER BALL 2025: 08. November 2025, ein festlicher Tanzball.

Overall, the anniversary year at KIT will be characterized by a variety of events that are dedicated to both science and the community. The KIT landscape not only remains a place for research and teaching, but also becomes a meeting place for celebrations.

With regard to the importance of KIT as “The Research University in the Helmholtz Association”, it should be mentioned that around 10,000 employees work to make contributions to global challenges in the areas of energy, mobility and information. With 22,800 students and a clear focus on research-oriented studies, KIT is considered one of the universities of excellence in Germany.

The anniversary exhibition and the highlights of the anniversary year are not only a homage to the past, but also a look ahead to the future challenges and innovations that KIT will bring to the world. Questions about the interactivity of exhibitions in museums such as the KIT and the influence of technology and science on daily life are particularly highlighted, similar to other popular institutions such as the German Museum in Munich, where families can spend exciting and educational hours.