Garden fair opens event hall

The Garden Fair Kaiserslautern has expanded. In spring, construction of a new exhibition and event hall started, and Monday, parts of the 1,000-square-meter building officially opened.

“All works are scheduled to be completed within the next eight weeks,” said Sandra Laux, garden fair spokeswoman.

The hall, with its glass front, is located next to the entrance, across from the historical slaughterhouse, which is the current flower hall displaying various flower shows.

Besides a 100-square-meter bistro and cafe area, there is a canteen kitchen, bathrooms, baby changing area and the technology for events. A maximum number of 1,200 visitors can be seated. The stage can be expanded to a total of 180 square meters. To meet all requirements, there is the possibility to darken the hall.

“The biggest transformation of the hall will always happen in winter time,” Mrs. Laux said. “By means of modern techniques, the event hall will turn into the ice-skating rink of the city of Kaiserslautern.”

From November until February, an 800-square meter ice skating surface will be available.

In cooperation with the Technical Works Kaiserslautern, a special exhibition started when the hall opened Monday. The motto of this touring exhibition coming from Giessen is “Math to touch.” Until Sept. 12, visitors can experience and learn about mathematic phenomena by checking 32 interactive display items.

“The exhibition is available to school classes and interested visitors – it’s exciting and demanding for young and old people,” Mrs. Laux said.

Rotating mirrors, puzzling games, a giant kaleidoscope and other items help to understand mathematics.

In the second part of the hall sciene is in the center of attention. The Science Alliance Kaiserslautern presents a technology exhibition. Visitors can watch robots playing soccer created by the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence. Other display items are Rolland, an intelligent wheel chair, an eye-book and Pac-Man, a classic video game with modern board with monitor and keyboard.
“All exhibitions are included in the entrance fee to the garden fair and open during regular park hours,” Mrs. Laux said.

TWK also opened its first filling station for electric powered vehicles in Kaiserslautern. It is the third one in Rheinland-Pfalz. All TWK customers can use it for free. Owners of the TWK card valid to enter the park can rent electric bikes for free.

For more information, visit gartenschau-kl.de.