ZEISS Forum und Museum der Optik
Corporate museum in the ZEISS Forum Oberkochen with more than 1,000 exhibits on optics, from microscopes to planetariums; free admission.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The ZEISS Museum der Optik opened on July 11, 2014 in the new ZEISS Forum in Oberkochen. The Forum was created by converting a factory building on the ZEISS site into a conference and event center; it was designed by Günter Hermann Architekten. Around €14 million went into the project; most of it came from the company, while the City of Oberkochen and the Ostalb district each contributed €1.25 million.
On roughly 1,000 square meters, the museum shows more than 1,000 objects from over 175 years of company history. The exhibition is arranged in ten thematic areas and runs from the present back to the past: from medical technology devices through microscopes, measuring technology, binoculars, photo and film lenses and optical lithography, to planetariums. On display are, for example, the photo that Neil Armstrong took with a ZEISS lens during the first moon landing, and a telescope of Napoleon's.
Many exhibits, including microscopes and binoculars, can be tried out. A 10-meter-wide video wall, under the motto "Seeing Beyond", looks at megatrends such as digitalization, mobility and sustainability, and the app "Explore ZEISS" supplements the tour with stories and augmented reality.
Highlights
- More than 1,000 exhibits on about 1,000 square meters, in ten thematic areas
- Microscopes, binoculars and lenses to try out
- Photo of the first moon landing taken with a ZEISS lens, and Napoleon's telescope
- Planetarium technology from the beginnings to today
- Multimedia guide app "Explore ZEISS" with augmented reality
- Free admission
Permanent exhibition
- ZEISS Museum der Optik – Ten thematic areas tell over 175 years of innovation history – from medical technology and microscopes to planetariums and the video wall "Seeing Beyond".
- Founded
- 2014
- Operated by
- ZEISS Gruppe (Carl Zeiss)
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
| Adults | free |
|---|
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Wheelchair-accessible entrance and toilet.
Kids & families
Only partly suitable for kidsRecommended for ages 12+
- Hands-on stations
The museum recommends a visit from age 12; visitors can try out microscopes and binoculars themselves.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Bahnhof Oberkochen · 10-min walk
From Oberkochen station it is about a ten-minute walk to the ZEISS Forum.
By car
Parking available
A limited number of car parking spaces are directly at the museum; in town, parking is only possible with a parking disc.
Route via the A7 (exit 115, Aalen/Oberkochen) and the B19 to Oberkochen-Süd, then via Heidenheimer Straße, Dreißentalstraße and Carl-Zeiss-Straße to the main entrance.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Lockers
Lockers for luggage (a €1 or €2 coin is required).
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Corporate events
The ZEISS Forum rents out 17 event rooms on 2,000 square meters for conferences, business meetings, congresses and company celebrations.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Audio guide | yes |
|---|---|
| Photography | Photography, film and video recording for editorial, scientific and private purposes are permitted; commercial use requires permission. Photography and filming are prohibited in the rest of the works. |
| Good to know | Museum guide available as the free app "Explore ZEISS" (stories and augmented reality; QR codes in the exhibition). Recommended age: 12 and up. |
