What if quantum physics could be experienced rather than explained? At Dutch Design Week 2026, taking place from 17-25 October in Eindhoven, Quantum Safari, the Quantum Garden and The Inventors and the Quantum Code invite visitors to discover the quantum world through games, design installations and hands-on experiences that make abstract ideas tangible, playful and accessible to all.

Visitors to Dutch Design Week can intuitively experience quantum concepts for themselves at Quantum Safari, an interactive exhibition bringing together six pieces created by scientists across the Dutch quantum ecosystem. The Centre for Quantum and Society (CQS) is proud to co-organise this interactive exhibition with Next Nature Museum.

Quantum Safari brings together six interactive installations that turn abstract physics into pieces you can see, touch and play. Each installation explores one or more of the four core concepts of quantum physics: superposition, entanglement, interference, and measurement.

Visitors follow a timeline of one hundred years of quantum history. Along the way they can:

• play Quantum TiqTaqToe and Quantum Cheqqers

• program a quantum computer in Quantum Puzzle

• explore wave patterns in Quantum Resonance

• bring particles to life in Quantum Jungle

• experience superposition through polarised light in Coexist
  

The installations were created by Robin Baumgarten, Jaap Beemster, Cas Schellekens, Camille de Valk, Emergence Delft, Derek Lomas, Martijn Weber (Mars Creative), Evert van Nieuwenhuizen and Sjoerd Wijgerse (EduQuation). Wouter van Dillen and the Next Nature Museum team produced it.

This exhibition is connected to the Quantum Escape Room at Next Nature Museum. Opened to the public last December, the Quantum Escape Room was developed by QDNL and CQS, in collaboration with Sherlocked, under the premise that technology should not only be explained, but also experienced. As part of the experience, teams work together to stabilise a futuristic quantum computer before a critical calculation fails.

Visit: Next Nature Museum, Noord Brabantlaan 1A, Eindhoven. Open daily 11:00–18:00, 17–25 October 2026.

Also during Dutch Design Week, visitors can explore the quantum world through the Quantum Garden, an interactive pavilion co-created by Design Academy Eindhoven (DAE) and the QDNL Talent and Learning Centre (TLC) Eindhoven. Located at Sectie-C, the exhibition brings together design, play and science to offer a hands-on introduction to quantum technologies and the questions they raise about our future.

Rather than explaining quantum physics through lectures or technical diagrams, the Quantum Garden invites visitors of all ages to discover quantum ideas through curiosity, creativity and experimentation. Visitors are invited to:

• discover interactive installations inspired by quantum physics;

• play with quantum-themed games;

• join a daily Quantum Walk-and-Talk (13:30-14:00)
  

The installations are the result of a year-long collaboration between designers, students and quantum experts. Nineteen students from DAE's Do-Make bachelor studio explored the fundamentals of quantum physics and transformed their encounters with the subject into a series of installations. Each work offers a unique perspective on quantum ideas and encourages visitors to explore, question and imagine.

The project was initiated by Mohammad Moradi and Urs Wyder of the TLC Eindhoven, and the student projects were developed under the guidance of designer Nacho Carbonell, with support from Natacha Pincemaille-Neveu both of the DAE.

In the Quantum Garden, visitors can explore the installations at their own pace and continue their journey through quantum-inspired games developed by EduQuation, a student team at the TU/e. The programme also includes a daily Quantum Walk-and-Talk (13:30-14:00), where visitors can join the conversation about the future of quantum technology and discover QDNL Brainport Eindhoven's quantum ecosystem.

Visit: Sectie-C, Eindhoven, during Dutch Design Week 2026. Open Daily 11:00-18:00. Daily Quantum Walk-and-Talk from 13:30-14:00.

For younger quantum explorers, we're thrilled to announce that The Inventors and the Quantum Code, a fun, interactive discovery experience for children and their parents developed with our partner De Ontdekfabriek, will take place EVERY DAY next week from 10:30-12:00.

If you're looking for an inspiring activity for the whole family during the 'herfstvacantie' and Dutch Design Week, don't miss this adventure!

Visit: De Ontdekfabriek, from 18-25 October (except Sat 24th) | 10:30-12:00