A walkable brain? New exhibition house coming - Germany's Bold New Addiction Education Centre Breaks Ground in 2023

A new exhibition centre focused on addiction education is set to open in Erfurt. The World of Temptations Foundation will lead the project, which aims to tackle Germany's growing dependency issues. Construction is expected to begin in 2023, with archaeological surveys starting this spring.

The centre will explore addiction through art, science, and interactive displays. A key section, called the Brain Space, will let visitors examine how the brain responds to addictive substances. This area will serve as the starting point for the rest of the exhibitions.

The facility will also host an Innovation Hub, where researchers and healthcare professionals can share ideas. Permanent and rotating exhibitions will cover a range of dependencies, from alcohol and drugs to social media. A recent preview, Only Good Vibes? Cannabis, Smoke, and Reality, gave a taste of the foundation's approach.

Germany faces significant addiction challenges, with 8.2 million adults struggling with dependencies. Another 13 million people engage in harmful alcohol or medication use. The project, funded by the Federal Ministry of Health, is scheduled to open by autumn 2027.

The World of Temptations Foundation plans to break ground next year. Once complete, the centre will provide education, research, and public engagement on addiction. Its mix of exhibits and collaborative spaces aims to address a widespread health issue in Germany.