Center for Art and Media (ZKM)

The ZKM site is spread over four floors, and it can take a couple of hours or half a day to explore. Workshops and guided tours take place regularly; book them in advance directly with the museum at least a week before your visit. The site isn't in the main city center, so it's not a pass-by stop on many walking tours. However, some hop-on hop-off buses swing past and provide onboard commentary about the museum.

• The site appeals to students and fans of media and contemporary art.

• Admission to the ZKM exhibitions is free every Friday from mid-afternoon.

• Museum Pass holders can enter free of charge.

• Children under 17 can enter for free, although very young kids may find little to entertain them here.

• Coats and bags are not permitted in the first-floor atrium, but you can leave them in lockers in the foyer or cloakroom.

• The ZKM is barrier-free and accessible to wheelchair users. There are also disabled parking bays near the elevator in the underground parking lot.

The ZKM is around a 15-minute walk from the downtown area of Karlsruhe and is easily accessible by public transit. Several trams run between Karlsruhe train station or the city center and the ZKM stop, or you can take bus No. 55 to Lorenzstrasse–ZKM. If you drive, you can pay to leave your car at the on-site parking lot, accessing it via Südendstrasse 44.

The museum is open Wednesday to Sunday, from mid-morning until early evening. The on-site library, shop, and café follow the same opening hours. If you plan to visit on a public holiday, check with the site before you visit, as exhibitions are often closed. The key closure dates are around the holiday period and New Year.

Given the ZKM’s slightly out-of-town location, you might want to check out other nearby attractions after your visit. Within a short walk, you can find the Karlsruhe Zoological Gardens, a small wildlife park with boating lakes, pleasant gardens, and a mix of wild animals.