Sad farewell: Phaeno-Bistro in Wolfsburg closes after two years!

Sad farewell: Phaeno-Bistro in Wolfsburg closes after two years!

The bistro in the Phaeno science museum in Wolfsburg is putting an end to it after two years. The closure, as announced on the Phaeno's official Facebook page, is regretted by many visitors. It was a place where you could unwind with a coffee and small snacks after an exciting day at the museum. From June 23rd, vending machines with snacks and drinks will be available for guests, but this is not well received by everyone.

Visitors find the vending machine solution, which goes into operation from the day it closes, rather unsatisfactory. The Phaeno shows understanding for the negative feedback and assures that there is still an offer for those who are hungry and thirsty. Finally, guests can enjoy snacks in the museum's picnic area, although eating is not permitted in the exhibition area. The neighboring hotel “Innside Wolfsburg” is also offering a special discount campaign - since June 15th, Phaeno guests have received a 15 percent discount on food and drinks there.

Reactions from visitors

Reactions to the upcoming changes are mixed. Some visitors are saddened by the closure of the bistro, which was an integral part of the museum experience. The bistro not only offered a culinary break, but also a place for exchange and relaxation. At a time when museums are experienced as social and cultural meeting places, the closure shows how important such institutions are for a sense of community.

A look at general visitor satisfaction shows that museums have a high social value. According to a recent study, 60 museums were surveyed in several countries, including Germany. The results show that 92 percent of visitors are satisfied with their stay, and 89 percent see museums as “guardians of the heritage of our civilization.” These findings reflect the high status that such institutions have in society.

The Phaeno and the museum visit

The Phaeno stands in a broad context of museums divided into four clusters: history and art, and natural sciences. Visitors often come out of curiosity and a desire to learn something new. The age structure of the museum guests in particular shows that many are older than 44 years. This suggests that museums also represent an important place for lifelong learning.

Closing the bistro may seem like a small step, but it touches on something bigger: the way people perceive and use cultural institutions. In a world in which more and more digital offerings are being used, personal exchange in real space remains essential. Museums could benefit from further intensifying their communication and thus making the experience for visitors sustainable.

It will be exciting to see how the Phaeno responds to the challenges and what new ways it will find to offer its visitors a positive experience. Will vending machines soon become the new normal? Dialogue and feedback are crucial here. Perhaps this is also an opportunity to develop new ideas that will make visits even more attractive in the future.