The MINISCHIRN educational programme is designed to send impulses and create free spaces in which visitors can enjoy making their own discoveries. The examples chosen to communicate fundamental artistic strategies are as topical as possible.

The varied offering around the circuit employs a careful mix of ready-mades and prototypes. Numerous full-size test constructions and experimental models were used to optimize the applications and design – and ensure user safety – during the short development phase.

Out of respect for the young visitors, familiar stylistic clichés from childrens’ bedrooms were strictly out of bounds. With its special adaptation of the Schirn corporate design, MINISCHIRN pays tribute to the target audience’s independent drive to explore. As a result, this project upholds the high standards of the Schirn Kunsthalle educational programme – and enhances its public image further still.

The existing architecture is penetrated by a treehouse group that symbolizes children’s drive to discover. On 100 square metres, a play and learning trail offers a first-hand, fun experience of the ABC of creativity and art.

A slide takes children straight into the MINISCHIRN playground. From here, they climb to the top of an immersive colour tunnel. Inside the treehouses, spatial productions provide a direct experience of artistic strategies :

- Transformation: Design and extend spaces, using foam rubber elements.

- Irritation: Play with shadows and see how lighting affects your own image.

- Inspection: Experiment with reflections in a seemingly infinite room of mirrors.

- Making objects from areas is easy, in the Folding Room.

With specially designed experimental stations, media interactivity and intelligently used ready-mades, the trail design stimulates children to make their own discoveries. From colour theory to the laws of physics, abstract concepts are easy to grasp.

The colour scheme in MINISCHIRN is child-friendly, yet reduced. It reflects the exhibition house’s corporate identity, and expresses its educational credentials.

MINISCHIRN establishes a new format in Germany’s exhibition landscape. This

permanent experimental space lets children approach art independently, while their parents visit the current SCHIRN exhibitions.