The “SCHULE DES SEHENS” makes knowledge visible and tangible, a showcase for science and art at the heart of campus. By incorporating digital media, visitors are trained to observe and understand material objects with a more discerning eye. In this way, the “SCHULE DES SEHENS” introduces guests of all ages to one of the core skills needed in today’s visually driven media landscape.
The multifunctional pavilion complex not only serves as a venue for special exhibitions developed by students of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) under the guidance of their instructors. It also functions as a space for collaborative school projects, teacher training, readings, intimate theater and music performances, lectures, and academic symposia.
Our Mission
REVEALING THE UNSEEN BY TRAINING THE EYE
The “SCHULE DES SEHENS” is a space for unveiling. Designed to spark critical thinking about visual communication and representation, these exhibitions also give students the opportunity to experiment with and develop curatorial practices. In addition, engaging with non-European cultures encourages a deeper examination of the so-called familiar and foreign, prompting critical reflection on political, social, and aesthetic boundary-making practices.
Centered on developing a knowledge-sharing network in the humanities and social sciences, the “SCHULE DES SEHENS” equally opens up space for contributions from the natural sciences. In this role, it serves as a valuable complement to the GREEN SCHOOL in the Botanic Garden and the NaT-Lab for school students. To support its interdisciplinary focus, the “Schule des Sehens” is centrally located on campus and is managed by the University Library.
Schule des Sehens
Vorschau
Projects
APPLYING FOR PROJECTS
The “SCHULE DES SEHENS” is a window into the world of science and art at JGU. Its primary goal is to foster interdisciplinary engagement with visual phenomena in history and society from a cross-cultural perspective, and to present these insights in an accessible way through exhibitions—whether in a scholarly or artistic context.
Another key focus is enhancing the visibility of the university's collections beyond the academic setting. The “SCHULE DES SEHENS” encourages innovative concepts and projects at JGU that explore seeing as a culturally formative practice and promote the integration of the university’s collections into research and teaching.
With this objective in mind, the “SCHULE DES SEHENS” organizes special exhibitions, lectures and other events, with particular emphasis on carrying out projects to impart knowledge to a non-university audience of all ages in collaboration with students. All members of JGU are eligible to apply.
Applicants are asked to provide information about their planned project and its focus using a designated application form.
The schedule for 2025 is already set, and for 2026, only time slots in the second half of the year are still available. If you have a project proposal, please contact the curator, Dr. Patrick Schollmeyer, in advance (phone: 39-25239 or email schollme@uni-mainz.de). In addition, applications can be submitted at any time, even for later periods.
Please note that only formally correct applications, i.e. applications submitted with the appropriate application form, can be considered. The curator may be consulted for advice before submitting an application. However, the curator does not carry out a preliminary examination of the content of the applications submitted. The evaluation (approval or rejection) based on content is solely the responsibility of the academic board of the “Schule des Sehens”. Applications can be submitted at any time.
PROGRAM FOR SCHOOL STUDENTS
For each themed special exhibition at the “SCHULE DES SEHENS”, a customized program for students of all grade levels as well as preview sessions for teachers are available upon request. In every case, tailored programming can be arranged to closely align with ongoing school curricula.
All events are free of charge.
Interested teachers are asked to contact Dr. Patrick Schollmeyer.
The “Schule des Sehens” also contributes—alongside the NaT-Lab, the Green School, and selected collections (e.g. Geosciences and Classical Archaeology)—to the university’s educational initiatives for school students, collectively known as junior campus mainz. Events are regularly held as part of the Girl’s Day, Family Day, or JGU’s vacation programs.
Organization
PARTNER
This unique showcase for science and art in Mainz was made possible thanks to a generous endowment from the Association “Freunde der Universität Mainz e.V.” at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz. In 2011, to mark the 60th anniversary of the association, a decision was made to support the establishment of a forum for intellectual and creative work in the humanities at JGU.
As loyal supporters, they continue to promote the “SCHULE DES SEHENS” and its activities. With the “SCHULE DES SEHENS”, they not only carry this mission forward but also continue to develop the potential of such a fruitful collaboration in ways that respond to contemporary needs.
The core mission of the association—to nurture and strengthen the bond between the university, the city of Mainz, and the state—thus takes on a tangible and enduring architectural form.
Find out more: Funding opportunities and projects at JGU
Executive Board
The “SCHULE DES SEHENS” is managed by an executive board. The executive board is responsible for all matters relating to the fulfillment of the “Schule des Sehens” mission. The executive board typically includes at least six voting members who are professors at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz.
Members should represent a range of disciplinary backgrounds, especially from the humanities, social sciences, and the Mainz Academy of Fine Arts. They should either be established researchers in visual media, object-based sciences, or visual perception, or be actively involved in artistic practice or teaching. A representative of the "Freunde der Universität Mainz e.V." association attends the meetings of the executive board in an advisory capacity.
The executive board is currently composed of the following members:
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Dr. Elisabeth Oy-Marra (FB 07) (Chairwoman)
Prof. Tamara Grcic (Mainz Academy of Fine Arts)
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Heide Frielinghaus (FB 07)
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Heiko Hecht (FB 02)
Prof. Dr. Linda Hentschel (Mainz Academy of Fine Arts)
Prof. Wolfgang Hofmeister (FB 09)
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Dr. Friedemann Kreuder (FB 05)
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Dr. Matthias Krings (FB 07)
Dr. Rolf-Jürgen Renard (OStD (retired) / Deputy Chairman and Managing Director of "Freunde der Universität Mainz e.V.")
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Dr. Julia Verne (FB 09)
Passed events at Schule des Sehens
