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High-Lights 2026

AUTUMN HOLIDAYS: Workshops

21 October 2026 - 29 October 2026 | 14:00 - 16:00 hours | ZFIL | 10,00 €

Halloween-style glitter balls – Lights out, spooky fun!
21 October, 2–4 pm
For children aged 6–10
Discover exciting worlds of light in the museum and then make sparkling Halloween balls.

Glowing good luck charms
27 October, 2–4 pm
For children aged 8–12
Go on a discovery tour of the museum and then create your very own good luck charm that glows in the dark.

Kaleidoscopes – Switch on the light, let the colours fly!
29 October, 2–4 pm
For children aged 6–10
After a visit to the museum, build your own kaleidoscopes and see how light and colours create fascinating patterns.

The workshops are fully booked.


Nights of Light Art

23 October 2026 - 6 November 2026

The Nights of Light Art have become a tradition in the Hellweg region; for the ninth time, the HELLWEG –ein LICHTWEG in the eastern Ruhr region network is offering a special program centered on light art. In addition to the 51 existing light art installations in public spaces—which illuminate the Hellweg from Ahlen to Fröndenberg and from Lippstadt to Unna—there will be an extensive lineup of events.

HELLWEG - ein LICHTWEG


Reading: Mord am Hellweg: Ursula Poznanski "The Signal"

7 November 2026 | 20:00 hours | ZFIL, Säulenkeller

Europe’s largest crime fiction festival comes to the ZFIL: Ursula Poznanski is one of the most successful German-language authors; her works regularly feature on the Spiegel bestseller list.
This evening, Poznanski will be presenting her latest psychological thriller, “Das Signal”, to the audience, in which she skilfully blurs the boundaries between paranoia and deadly reality within a claustrophobic setting.

Before the reading begins, there will be an opportunity to take part in a short guided tour of the current temporary exhibition LIGHT DIALOGUES.

The reading is sold out.


Gemischte Tüte - The Arts and Culture Festival

21 November 2026 | 18:30 hours | Lindenviertel Creative Quarter | free of charge

Under the motto “Diversity, not uniformity”, artists from Unna come together to celebrate across the Lindenbrauerei site.

From classical singing, swing and offbeat musical cabaret to pop, evergreens, blues, reggae, heavy sounds, karaoke and party music – the mix is wild, varied and inspiring. Theatre performances, a crime fiction reading, Macedonian dance and a major art exhibition in the former Kaufnett building add further highlights to the programme.

The Kunsthalle in the former “Kaufnet” building opens at 12 noon.

More information


Advent concert on the grand piano: Liam Ehm at the Säulenkeller

1 December 2026 | 18:30 hours | ZFIL, Säulenkeller | 20,00 € / Ermäßigt: 15,00 €

When a concert grand piano stands in the warmly lit columned cellar and Christmas melodies ring out through the exhibition, a special space for music and light is created.
Following his sold-out concert last year, pianist and composer Liam Ehm returns to the ZFIL with a Christmas piano concert, performing his compositions that blend classical clarity, cinematic grandeur and the museum’s unique atmosphere.

Tickets


Family Sunday at the ZFIL

6 December 2026 | 11:00 - 16:00 hours | ZFIL | €10 per person | Free for children and youngsters up to and including 18 years old

When the days grow cold and dark, the ZFIL becomes a place of light, creativity and little discoveries. To celebrate St Nicholas Day, we invite visitors of all ages to a magical family Sunday filled with art, music and shared experiences.

Our unique collection and current exhibition, LIGHT DIALOGUES, are waiting to be explored at your own pace. Interactive activity stations and engaging puzzle booklets round off the museum visit, inviting visitors to see things from fresh perspectives.

There is plenty to discover beyond the exhibition spaces, too. In our open creative studio, visitors can make luminous badges and enchanting winter-inspired pictures. A waffle stand offers a sweet treat along the way. In the Säulenkeller, the handpan group “PanConnection” invites visitors to immerse themselves in captivating sounds, enjoy the music and try playing the handpan themselves.

A winter’s day filled with moments of light, captivating sounds and creative inspiration – for curious children, relaxed adults and everyone who enjoys discovering something new together. And, last but not least, a wonderful opportunity to celebrate 25 years of ZFIL with us.

Tickets


Lecture: Artificial Intelligence in Art: Rival or Accomplice?

8 December 2026 | 18:00 hours | ZFIL, Säulenkeller | 5,00 €

Artificial intelligence is transforming the art world!
From the emergence of contemporary artistic approaches to questions of creativity and authorship.
In her lecture, Prof. Dr Renate Buschmann explores the diverse interactions between AI and contemporary art, offering insights into the challenges and opportunities arising from the use of AI.

The event is sponsored by the Friends of the Centre for International Light Art e.V.

Tickets


Thirsty Thursdays - Special Guided Tour: “The Taste of Color”

17 December 2026 | 17:30 hours | ZFIL | 17,00 €

What does blue taste like? Take a relaxed tour through the museum that explores all the senses. In this special guided tour, discover whether—and how—your sense of taste can be dazzled by light art.

Art lovers and curious minds can experience light art in a relaxed after-work atmosphere and be inspired by creative offerings. Up to two hours of art enjoyment promise a successful start to the evening – almost like a little pre-taste of the weekend.

Tickets


Light graffiti workshop for adults

ZFIL | 35,00 €

Light instead of paint, darkness instead of canvas: In the light graffiti workshop, you will discover a fascinating form of creative photography. After a visit to the museum, you can become active yourself and paint with light together with your group. Equipped with flashlights, LED lights, and other light sources, glowing images and lettering are created in the dark, which are captured with the help of a camera using long-exposure photography.
The workshop combines art, technology, and teamwork and is ideal for groups of friends, clubs, or colleagues who want to experience something special together. The photos created will then be provided to you digitally—a glowing reminder of a creative experience underground.

Duration: 3 hours, min. 3 – max. 20 people

Contact


Weddings

in the Columned Cellar

We offer you an unforgettable civil or independent wedding ceremony ten metres below ground in the museum’s light-filled vaults.

We’d be happy to provide you with detailed advice and arrange a date that suits you.

Contact




Lindenplatz 1
59423 Unna
Germany
Phone: +49 2303 1034567
Mon-Fri from 10h to 14h CET