The Futurium is the House of Futures, where the question “How do we want to live?” takes centre stage. It sees itself as a place for reflection and discussion on the challenges and opportunities of the future. The permanent exhibition is divided into three sections: People, Nature and Technology. In addition, there is a lab and an events forum, as well as a wide range of digital formats. Admission is free.
Lignin Futures
What will the materials of the future be made of? And what opportunities arise from linking the local bioeconomy with global challenges?
At the opening of the accompanying exhibition “Lignin Futures” by the Weißensee Academy of Art, which will be on view from November 11 through11, 2026, at the Futurium Lab, scientists and designers will provide insights into current work from the interdisciplinary research project LignoLight, which develops innovative materials and products based on lignin, a byproduct of cellulose and bioethanol production.
At the opening reception, you’ll learn which materials have been developed for the fashion and furniture industries, how they can be processed into products, and why on earth everything has turned brown. Shoe lovers won’t be left out either: Models from the lignin-based limited edition by the Berlin-based shoe manufacturer Trippen will be available to try on at the opening. You’ll learn directly from the researchers in attendance about the further potential of lignin—for example, in relation to climate change—and why lignin has remained largely unknown until now.
As an interdisciplinary research project, LignoLight is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy.
Collaboration
-> Collaboration between Futurium and the Weißensee Academy of Art Berlin.
-> On Thursday, November 12, 2026, the weißensee Academy of Art Berlin will host an Open Lab evening at the Futurium Lab from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. For more information and to register, visit: https://futurium.de/de/open-lab-abend/open-lab-abend-materialwende-mit-lignin/open-lab-abend-materialwende-mit-lignin
Speakers
-> Following a brief welcome and introductory remarks by Steven Eschig from the Fraunhofer Institute for Wood Research WKI, there will be a guided tour of the exhibition featuring all project participants, research institutions, and participating companies.
Information
-> Venue: Futurium Lab Lounge
-> Admission: free
-> Registration is required.
-> Remaining tickets are available at the venue.
-> Event language: German
-> Maximum number of participants: 60 people
-> The event is open to anyone aged 16 and older
-> Duration: 1 hour and 45 minutes
-> Requirements: No prior knowledge required
Accessibility
-> We are a wheelchair-accessible venue.
-> Spaces without seating are available for wheelchair users.
The future is for everyone! The Futurium aims to be accessible to all. If you have any additional accessibility needs, please let us know. We’ll do our best to accommodate them: info@futurium.de
Here you’ll find all the information about accessibility.
Photos & Video
Photos and videos will be taken during the event. If you do not wish to be photographed or filmed, please let us know in advance.
Tickets
-> You’ll need a free ticket for this event.
-> Due to limited seating, only one ticket per person can be reserved.
-> The Futurium thrives on big ideas—and small contributions. With a donation, you help make the future possible! You can support the Futurium here. Translated with DeepL