High-Lights 2026
Workshop: What to, what not to?! – Augmented Reality and Art
12 September 2026 | 10:00 - 17:00 hours | ZFIL | 35,00 €
How does our perception change when analogue and digital art merge?
In this workshop, we invite tech-savvy individuals and art enthusiasts aged 18 and over to discover our temporary exhibition “Light Dialogs” in a unique way. The focus shifts to five works by Maurizio Nannucci, which are on display as part of the exhibition. Drawing on his poetic text-based works, we will explore the questions: What do we hear, feel, see, love and say – and what do we not? These reflections will serve as a starting point for our own creative exploration.
In the first part of the workshop, participants will create individual analogue designs on paper using a variety of materials. They will then learn about the possibilities of augmented reality (AR) and receive a practical introduction to the Canva and HoloLink programmes. Using their newly acquired knowledge, they will expand their own ideas and Nannucci’s works to include digital layers, thereby creating an exciting connection between art, creativity and new technology.
Please bring your own smartphone. The workshop is organised in cooperation with the Department of Culture & Continuing Education of Unna.
World Children’s Day
19 September 2026 | 10:00 - 16:00 hours | Unna town centre | free of charge
To mark World Children’s Day, Unna town centre will be transformed into a colourful world of adventure for children and families. Alongside a big festival featuring plenty of hands-on activities, a varied flea market invites visitors to browse, play and explore.
The ZFIL will of course also be there with a creative stand and looks forward to welcoming visitors of all ages.
Reading with Jakob Schwertfeger –PUNKT PUNKT KOMMA STRICH, FERTIG IST DIE KUNSTGESCHICHT
24 September 2026 | 19:00 hours | ZFIL, Säulenkeller | 20,00 €
A BELLY FLOP INTO ART HISTORY
Ever since humans have existed, they have been making art – sometimes dazzling and colourful, sometimes dark and menacing. Museums and galleries are a huge pool of effervescent creativity.
Stand-up comedian and art historian Jakob Schwerdtfeger inspires art novices and experts alike with his unique perspective. What does Impressionism have to do with dog jumpers? Why does Cubism look like someone punched a mirror? And how did the Renaissance become the nerd among art eras?
From 6 p.m., excerpts from the collection and our current temporary exhibition will be open to the public.
Reading: Mord am Hellweg – Cleo Konrad "Home Story"
1 October 2026 | 19:30 hours | ZFIL, Säulenkeller
Europe’s biggest crime fiction festival comes to the ZFIL: Cleo Konrad specialises in unsettling scenarios, skilful plot twists and strong female characters, and that is exactly what the audience can expect in the atmospheric setting of the Säulenkeller. Cleo Konrad will take the audience on two journeys into dark abysses this evening: her latest thriller, “Home Story”, explores the dark secrets of a secluded eco-community, whilst in her contribution to the latest “Murder on Hellweg” anthology, the characters descend into the shadowy alleys of Unna’s Lindenviertel district.
An event in the “Möpkentod – Westfalen kriminell” series, with the kind support of the Westfalen-Initiative Foundation and the Sparkassenverbands Westfalen-Lippe.
Concert: Celloherbst – International Chamber Music Night
3 October 2026 | 19:00 hours | ZFIL, Säulenkeller
“Celloherbst am Hellweg” presents: An exceptional evening of chamber music featuring internationally renowned musicians and three versatile ensembles:
The Albis String Quartet from Magdeburg will present works from various eras, followed by the Aşkin–Stephan–Issoglio Trio with music by Beethoven, Mozart and Glinka. To round off the evening, the Acoustic String Ensemble invites you on a musical journey through four centuries. Cello, guitar and double bass combine chamber-style jazz with influences from classical, folk and pop music
Workshop: Light Painting with Olaf Schieche
9 October 2026 - 10 October 2026 | ZFIL
Light becomes colour, movement becomes art: in these light painting workshops with the renowned specialist Olaf Schieche, darkness and carefully directed light are transformed into fascinating photographic art.
In a unique atmosphere, the workshops explore the basics and creative possibilities of light painting – from the optimal camera settings in the dark, through the targeted use of light, to experimenting with movement and colour.
9 October: Beginners’ light painting workshop
10 October: Light painting with a model workshop
10 October: Advanced light painting workshop
The workshops are organised by the Volkshochschule Unna Fröndenberg Holzwickede.
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.
The complete program will be released in mid-September 2026.
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.
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.
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
To mark St Nicholas’ Day, …. ZFIL invites you to a pleasant Family Sunday filled with light, creativity and discoveries.
You can explore the collection and the current exhibition LIGHT DIALOGUES at your own pace. Numerous hands-on stations, exciting puzzle booklets and open craft activities centred on the theme of light offer a wide variety of opportunities to explore, experiment and create.
A special Advent Sunday for the whole family – and a wonderful opportunity to celebrate 25 years of ZFIL with us.
Tickets available two weeks in advance.
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.
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
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.