Ubbo Grassmann has assumed the role of director at the Carl-Zeiss-Planetarium.
Carl Zeiss Planetarium Stuttgart Welcomes New Director Ubbo Grassmann
Ubbo Grassmann, a renowned figure in the world of astronomy and education, has been officially appointed as the director of the Carl Zeiss Planetarium Stuttgart, effective from August 1, 2025. Grassmann, who has served as the deputy director for over ten years and temporarily led the museum since June of the same year, succeeds Dr. Uwe Lemmer, who retired after 16 years.
Grassmann is celebrated for his innovative formats and modern approach, which extend beyond traditional astronomy topics to include cultural and musical events. His vision is to transform the planetarium into a "meeting place for science", inspiring new audiences by making scientific facts engaging, understandable, and tangible for all generations.
One of Grassmann's most notable contributions is the introduction of the "Tunesday" program, an event that blends astronomy with music, reflecting his unique approach to science education and community engagement. Under his leadership, the planetarium has also seen the introduction of online ticket sales, enhancing accessibility and visitor experience.
Born in Kiel in 1981, Grassmann studied design with a focus on motion graphics. His academic career began with a diploma thesis about the Cassini-Saturn mission at the Planetarium Hamburg. His learning concept, a pioneer in interactive communication formats, included modules from the classroom to under the dome.
Grassmann's decade-long experience with the Stuttgart Planetarium, combined with his international background, positions him well to lead the planetarium into a future focused on content and technological advancement. City officials, including Mayor Dr. Fabian Mayer and culture department head Marc Gegenfurtner, are pleased with the city council's decision to reappoint Grassmann.
Mayor Dr. Fabian Mayer believes Grassmann will lead the planetarium into the future excellently, while Gegenfurtner welcomes the decision, noting that Grassmann has initiated numerous impulses for the planetarium's further development. As Grassmann continues to expand the planetarium's program to include more cultural and musical formats, the institution is poised to become a dynamic and inclusive hub for science, culture, and community.
- Ubbo Grassmann, in his role as the new director of the Carl Zeiss Planetarium Stuttgart, aims to transform the institution into a "meeting place for science", combining traditional astronomy topics with cultural and musical events, as part of his vision for science education and community engagement.
- As a renowned figure in education, space-and-astronomy, and education-and-self-development, Grassmann's leadership at the Carl Zeiss Planetarium Stuttgart is expected to drive the institution towards technological advancement and content enrichment, positioning it as a dynamic and inclusive hub for science, culture, and community.
