17 November 2025

A Celebration of Curiosity, Discovery, and Quantum Science

On 8 November, the historic Lichthof of the main building of LMU transformed into a lively playground for quantum physics. On the occasion of the “International Year of Quantum Science and Technology” proclaimed by UNESCO, the LMU Faculty of Physics organized a day dedicated to quantum physics for the public. Approximately 1,500 people visited the Lichthof and its surrounding area to experiment, ask questions, and explore the fascinating world of quantum physics. The atmosphere was vibrant, bright, enthusiastic—the main LMU building was buzzing with curiosity.

The Dean of the Faculty of Physics, Prof. Ulrich Schollwöck, opened the program with an inspiring overview of the rich quantum research landscape at LMU in the Audimax. What followed was a packed program for visitors of all ages. Prof. Harald Lesch offered an engaging talk about the role of quantum physics in the universe, fascinating the audience. The Audimax, seating more than 800 people, was absolutely packed with visitors of all ages, and marked a great start for the day.

Hands-on Interactive Stations

From math fans and young explorers to people curious about quantum physics in everyday life, all visitors found something to try, test, and marvel at. At the MCQST booth, for example, guests experienced the principle of quantum sensing, learned about superposition and entanglement through colorful qubit models, and even made their own quantum pins. At the attoworld booth, visitors gained insight into Nobel prize-winning physics, at a neighboring booth they experienced how augmented reality helps learning about quantum measurements and at various start-up groups from LMU they learned about real-world applications of quantum technologies.

At the “Spielwiese” (literally a playground), quantum physics became truly tangible with hands-on models featuring quantum cryptography, a smartphone game called Qookies, as well as two spectacular demonstrations loaned from our “Light and Matter” exhibition at the Deutsches Museum. At the Quanten(t)räume station, children of all ages created artwork and postcards, learning about light in playful ways.

Knowledge to Take Home – Talks, Discussions, and a Premiere

Alongside the activities in the Lichthof, the 4th episode of “Alice im Quantenland” premiered in the Audimax. Meanwhile, visitors could enjoy compact mini-lectures for school classes, insights into study programs, career opportunities, as well as an overview of the everyday life of researchers, and engaging popular science talks on current research. Other highlights of the program were the shows with demonstrating experiments by LMU physicist Christian Hundschell, which delighted both young children and seasoned quantum fans, and a lively panel discussion on the interplay of theory and experiment in quantum physics featuring Prof. Monika Aidelsburger and Prof. Ulrich Schollwöck, moderated by Stefan Geier.

The day concluded with a captivating talk by Prof. Immanuel Bloch on quantum physics and quantum simulation. A crowd favorite was the demonstration of ultra-cold temperatures at the end of the talk, where the audience was invited to freeze and shatter roses themselves—a striking illustration of the extreme conditions under which quantum research takes place.

The History of Quantum Physics – Brought to Life

A special highlight was the mobile exhibition on the history of quantum physics, designed specifically for this event by Cecilia Scorza and her team. It presents 100 years of quantum discoveries and highlights the central role that Munich and the LMU have played in this scientific journey. Schools can borrow the exhibition in the future.

We at MCQST were thrilled to co-organize this event and to see such a large number of families, students, and science enthusiasts at the event. The countless curious questions, bright eyes, and shared moments of discovery reminded us once again: Quantum physics truly fascinates—no matter the age.

A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who contributed, created content, staffed booths, and helped fill LMU with quantum excitement!