EVENTS TO MARK GERMAN UNITY DAY: HfK goes space. Science and art in space exploration

3:30–7:30 p.m. 

In early October 2026, Germany will be celebrating German Unity Day in Bremen – and we’ll be joining in the celebrations! The city will be transformed into a festival venue – from Domshof to the Weserstadion – and at the University of the Arts Bremen, you can also enjoy a varied programme organised by the departments of Art and Design and Music.

Reaching for the stars together 
– German Unity Day 2026 in Bremen

How are unknown worlds in space explored? What challenges must be overcome to translate designs and mission concepts from Earth into space? These questions are at the heart of a unique event taking place on Friday, 2 October 2026, in the gallery at the Music Department’s main premises. The German Aerospace Centre (DLR) and the University of the Arts Bremen (HfK) are jointly inviting participants to set off on an imaginary journey into space aboard the ship.

In the morning, Year 7 pupils will have the opportunity to develop their own concepts for exploring the Solar System together with DLR department head and scientist Tra Mi Ho (Institute of Space Systems). They will work out designs and solutions to meet the requirements for various exploration missions, discuss their ideas directly with the expert, and prepare the results for the exhibition in the afternoon. The highlight will be the unveiling of the Idefix Rover, which was built and tested in Bremen as the result of a multinational collaboration and will in future explore Phobos, one of Mars’ moons.

The afternoon is aimed at interested adult visitors (approx. 50 places) and features specialist talks by Prof. Dr  Detlef Rahe (HfK Bremen) and aerospace engineer Jan Thimo Grundmann (DLR), as well as a panel discussion on the intersections between space exploration and art, in which Tra Mi Ho will once again take part. Together with the audience, the technical, creative and ethical aspects of future space missions will be explored. The event aims to demonstrate that the path to the stars is driven not only by technology, but above all by creativity, team spirit and a shared commitment to unity.

A collaboration with the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) Bremen and the DLR_School_Lab
 

The afternoon is aimed at young people and adults (approx. 50 places) who are interested in learning about future space missions, design and engineering perspectives, and the practical work involved with the Idefix rover.

3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Gallery tour & initial discussions
Presentation: Rover designs by young people and the Idefix model

4:30 – 4:50 p.m.
Welcome

4:50 – 5:20 p.m.
Specialist lecture followed by a Q&A session: ‘Design as a World Concept’, Prof. Detlef Rahe, HfK Bremen

5:20 – 5:50 p.m.
Keynote presentation followed by a Q&A session: “Form Follows Gravity – Mobility Design for Celestial Bodies”, Jan-Thimo Grundmann, DLR

5:50 – 6.20 p.m.
Break & refreshments

6:20 – 7:15 p.m.
Panel discussion & open Q&A with Michael Wrasmann (DLR AIV), Conrad Zeidler (DLR Eden) and Detlef Rahe (HfK Bremen)
Moderators: Rosanna Geisler & Sive Chambers

Please note: Registration is required to attend on Friday. You can register via the DLR website.

12:00 – 7:00 p.m. | University of the Arts | Galerie 0.05
HfK goes space
Science and art in space exploration
Exhibition as well as the results of the closed workshops for school classes

12:00 – 7:00 p.m. | University of the Arts | Dechanatstraße 13-15
HfK Open House
From Brass to Wood
The degree programmes – Fine Art, Digital Media, Integrated Design and Music – will present themselves through a range of exhibitions and concerts.