Open House

We will be opening our doors again on May 9, 2026 and cordially invite you to our Open Day! You can look forward to exciting insights, inspiring discussions and a varied program for young and old. Whether you are a prospective student, family or curious - make a note of the date now!

On May 17, 2025, the (TH) Ostwestfalen-Lippe University of Applied Sciences and Arts (TH OWL) opened its doors and attracted numerous guests to its Detmold and Lemgo campuses. The degree programs offered in Höxter were presented in Detmold and Lemgo. Whether prospective students, families, or neighbors—many took advantage of the diverse offerings to experience research and teaching firsthand. From hands-on activities and lab tours to lectures and campus tours to personal conversations with faculty and students, the day offered exciting insights into the world of TH OWL. Food and entertainment were also provided. We would like to thank all visitors for their great interest and the wonderful atmosphere!

A young man who completed his bachelor's degree at Rottenburg University of Applied Sciences and wants to do his master's degree in Lemgo said that although he had a long journey to get there, the “Master's in Production and Management” program at TH OWL was so unique. He definitely wanted to continue studying and gain further qualifications. Staff at both locations had the impression that many prospective students were visiting with their parents or friends.

In Detmold, the view of the Hermann Monument from the hot air balloon basket on the construction crane, creative hands-on activities related to architecture and civil engineering, and insights into digital planning using augmented reality were among the highlights that generated enthusiasm. Germany's first fitted kitchen – the “Frankfurter Küche” – and its social background also attracted a great deal of interest. In the Media Production department, guests were able to experience how a television production is created, look over the shoulders of the editorial team at Campus Radio Triquency, or enjoy student film art in the short film cinema.

The bridge crash test also attracted a lot of attention: ten student teams competed against each other with bridges they had built themselves from specified materials. The aim was to create a construction that was as light as possible and at the same time stable. At 12 noon, things got serious: amid cheers, it was revealed which bridge could withstand the most weight. The team of Johanna Specht, Linus Moersener, and Andre Marx took first place—their bridge withstood a load of 4.2 kN before giving way. The crash test event was supported by the Förderverein Bauingenieurwesen e. V. (Civil Engineering Association), which sponsored the event with 1,000 Euros, enabling a prize money of 500 Euros for the winning team.

The AKNW Interior Design Day, which took place at the same time on the Detmold campus, also attracted a number of interested professionals to the seminar rooms and laboratories. At the KreativInstitut.OWL (KIO), just a few hundred meters away, the focus was on the technology of the future: visitors could experience the Hermann Monument as a 3D hologram or lose themselves in specially programmed games. Right next door, the large green screen studio of the media production department offered exclusive insights into an ongoing TV production: Here, guests were able to become part of the picture themselves, experience directing, and test camera work. Like Nina: The 17-year-old is interested in audiovisual media and was not only there live during the dolly shot, but also in front of the camera herself. “I've known for a long time that I want to study media production at TH OWL,” she says enthusiastically. “But today really convinced me once again.”

Outside, the campus showed its playful and practical side: using remote-controlled miniature machines, guests of all ages were able to breathe new life into a town square – and, in the process, learn about current issues in open space planning from the Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning, which is based in Höxter.

Of course, the Lemgo campus also showed itself from its best side again: Technical know-how was on offer with the CNC lathe, which was used to produce individual chess pieces, as well as free water analysis and the field robot from Sustainable Campus Höxter, which visitors could even control themselves remotely.

Those who felt like getting active could try out a wooden cargo bike or test their handball throwing skills at the wheel of fortune stand run by Bundesliga handball club TBV Lemgo. Ten-year-old Judy was particularly lucky here and won tickets to a handball game. The little winner was accompanied by her mother and siblings. The family comes from Saudi Arabia. The mother is particularly interested in studying food technology or medical and health technology at TH OWL. "Both departments offer a wide range of career prospects and will be in high demand in the future. I can't wait to obtain the required language certificate and enroll at the university,“ she explains enthusiastically.

Falk Willecke also traveled to the open house with his mother and two younger brothers: ”I come from the Sauerland region, near Arnsberg, and am currently completing my vocational baccalaureate after training as a wastewater technology specialist. I'm very interested in the environmental sciences program in Höxter, which is why I came to the open house in Lemgo today to get a feel for the university," said the 20-year-old.

19-year-old Julia used this event to get a taste of what the university has to offer: “I'm currently doing my Abitur in Göttingen. Starting in the winter semester, I'll be studying data science at TH OWL – I'm already enrolled and currently looking for an apartment in Lemgo. Storing data, working with numbers, structuring tables – that's exactly my thing! I'm really looking forward to starting and am excited to see what awaits me here.”

Around 30 to 40 people took part in the “hop-on/hop-off campus tours,” which anyone could join, at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Chocolate from a 3D printer, freeze-dried snacks, and a scent trail delighted not only the younger guests. Face painting was also available, of course.

Another highlight was the “Open Factory Day” at Smart Factory OWL. This event focused on modern manufacturing technologies, soldering techniques to try out, and the creative use of artificial intelligence. Particularly exciting: how deceptively real AI-generated images can appear—and the risks associated with them.

“I myself graduated from TH OWL in 2012 – at that time, the degree program was still called Mechanical Engineering. When I see the modern laboratories today, I can't help but be amazed. The Lemgo campus has changed incredibly – in the best possible way! It's impressive to see how technology, research, and teaching have developed here,” said Matthias, who attended the open house with his son.

Both historic and forward-looking was the world's oldest diesel engine still in operation: built in 1903, the machine was powered by modern HVO fuel – an impressive sign of the transformation in the energy sector. Speaking of which, regional partners such as Phoenix Contact and Weidmüller presented their close cooperation with TH OWL at the CIIT and at the same time drew attention to available training and dual study places.

Technology enthusiasts were able to take a look under the hood of the Formula Student racing car with the OWL Racing Team or, a few steps further on, experience how CNC machines produce individual pen holders with custom engravings. Those who liked spectacular things could marvel at rocket function tests or get to know machines in the wood laboratory that make building with natural raw materials tangible. In another laboratory, demonstrations were given of how microalgae, fungi, and bacteria produce sustainably usable materials.

The “NeMo.bil” mobility project and the gyro-stabilized MONOCAB also impressively demonstrated how TH OWL is working with its partners on sustainable solutions for rural areas.

Whether you have a technical curiosity, an interest in science, or simply want to enjoy an eventful family day with cotton candy, popcorn, fries, and currywurst: the open house at TH OWL on the Creative Campus Detmold and the Innovation Campus Lemgo offered something for everyone—and even featured great live music, including as part of the “Open Rehearsal of the University Choir.” The electric piano and technical equipment are funded by the Lippe District Location Security Foundation.