- Press Release as PDF
- Deep Space Lecture: Pictures for Christmas
- Family Days: Winter Wondermagic
- Program at the Ars Electronica Center
(Linz, November 20, 2025) This December, the Ars Electronica Center invites visitors to use the Christmas season for new discoveries — with a two-day family program themed Winter Wondermagic and a virtual journey to some of Austria’s significant altarpieces.
Deep Space Lecture: Pictures for Christmas
On December 9, the Ars Electronica Center will present impressive gigapixel images of church altarpieces in Deep Space 8K. From 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., Michael Zugmann (Diocese of Linz) will take visitors on a tour from Hallstatt to Kefermarkt and St. Wolfgang, ending in Linz — showcasing the diversity of Austrian depictions of the Nativity through detailed images.
Tickets cost €14 / €11.50 reduced. Registration is recommended at center@ars.electronica.art or +43.732.7272.0. The event is offered in cooperation with the Bibelwerk Linz.
Family Days: Winter Wondermagic
Curious minds and young explorers are invited to the Family Days on December 13 and 14. Whether experimenting with a microcontroller, taking first steps in programming, or racing down the Streif in a thrilling 3D ski run, kids and their families can look forward to exciting open workshops and an adventurous Deep Space special. Participation in all activities, besides the Family Tour, is included with museum admission.
Program Overview
Family Tour
Sat. 13. Dec 2025 11:30 – 12:30 | Sat. 13. Dec 14:30 – 15:30 | Sun 14. Dec 11:30 – 12:30 | Sun 14. Dec 14:30 – 15:30 | all ages
Exploring, asking questions, and gaining new experiences — during the Family Tour at the Ars Electronica Center, children and their accompanying adults playfully discover the challenges of our digital everyday life and discuss tricky questions about the future. The tour is tailored to each group and captivates even the youngest visitors. It’s followed by an excursion into the 3D world of Deep Space 8K with the special program “Play with Fire… and Ice!”
Deep Space Family: Playing with Fire…and Ice!
Sat 13. Dec 2025 12:30 – 12:55 | Sat 13. Dec 15:30 – 15:55 | Sun 14. Dec 12:30 – 12:55 | Sun 14. Dec 15:30 – 15:55 | all ages
In Deep Space 8K, visitors can virtually explore the natural forces of our planet — from glowing lava to eternal glaciers. They’ll dare to leap over thin ice, cross rivers of lava, and embark on a 3D expedition to Mount Everest and Austria’s Großglockner. Even Mont Blanc becomes a true experience thanks to gigapixel imagery. Snow-covered landscapes and a 3D ski run down the Streif round off this winter adventure.
Open Workshop: LED (b)it snow
Sat 13. Dec 2025 11:00 – 13:00 | Sun 14. Dec 11:00 – 13:00 | from 8 years
Anyone who wants to let their creativity run wild can dive into the world of the BBC micro:bit. Participants experiment with the microcontroller, take their first steps in programming, and create a frosty and fun flurry of snow.
Open Workshop: Mars Camp
Sat 13. Dec 2025 14:30 – 16:30 | Sun 14. Dec 14:30 – 16:30 | from 8 years
What might everyday life look like on the Moon — and where would you find something to eat on Mars? This open workshop starts by exploring how we could meet basic human needs in outer space. Then it’s time to get creative: using simple materials, participants build their own Moon and Mars stations equipped with everything needed to live beyond Earth.
Open Workshop: Winterwonder Space Gallery
Sat 13. Dec 2025 14:30 – 16:30 | Sun 14. Dec 14:30 – 16:30 | all ages
As part of the ESA competition “Space Gallery,” children can create their own space-themed artworks and, if they wish, submit them as photos. The changing topics range from futuristic technologies and mysterious solar eclipses to brave astronauts and enigmatic moons. Which wintry space theme will be revealed during the Family Days remains a surprise.
Presentation: Topic Bin Light
Sat 13. Dec 2025 11:00 – 11:30 | Sat 13. Dec 14:00 – 14:30 | Sun 14. Dec 11:00 – 11:30 | Sun 14. Dec 14:00 – 14:30 | from 4 years
Visible light may look colorless — but it isn’t. In reality, it’s made up of different colors that blend together. This themed station turns children of all ages into light catchers and color players, revealing the difference between light colors and pigment colors.
