Don’t delay—book now!: Quantum Adventures in Dresden During Fall Holidays at the Kitty Q Escape Room

Overview

Ever wanted to make a quantum leap, “stack” waves, or meet the cute, half-dead Kitty Q? The escape room “Kitty Q—A Quantum Adventure” in Dresden has expanded its availability for private bookings during Saxony’s fall holidays (October 7–19, 2024). Ideal for family outings, holiday activities, and children’s birthday celebrations, the colorful quantum apartment packed with puzzles rooted in real quantum physics phenomena is designed for everyone aged 11+. But fear not—you don’t need to be a math or physics whiz to enjoy the game! Additional info is provided by the “Kittypedia to go” encyclopedia. Kitty Q is the first quantum physics-themed escape room for youngsters in Germany.

1,500 Young Explorers Dive into the Quantum World

Since its debut in late April 2024, nearly 1,500 youngsters have delved into the escape room “Kitty Q—A Quantum Adventure” hosted by the Dresden-Würzburg Cluster of Excellence ct.qmat—Complexity and Topology in Quantum Matter and Technische Sammlungen Dresden (Dresden’s science and technology museum). School parties in particular have plunged into the bizarre quantum world designed by award-winning game designer Philipp Stollenmayer. Moreover, following a fun time in the quantum apartment, many participants were eager to learn how much genuine quantum physics underpins the 17 puzzles. Accordingly, the “Kittypedia To Go,” a tear-off encyclopedia with quantum knowledge presented in laypeople’s terms, has already needed replenishing. To accommodate even more families, holidaymakers, and private groups such as birthday parties, Technische Sammlungen Dresden have increased the number of booking slots during this year’s fall break in Saxony (October 7 to 19, 2024).

More Knowledge Wanted

“We’re thrilled that our ‘baby’ has been so well received. Our goal is to demystify the quantum world in an accessible manner and spark curiosity about this fascinating branch of science among youngsters. This approach has been a success,” says Matthias Vojta, Professor of Theoretical Solid-State Physics at Technische Universität (TU) Dresden and Dresden Spokesperson of the Würzburg-Dresden Cluster of Excellence ct.qmat. “What’s especially marvelous is that the fun of the game often leads to a genuine interest in the science behind it, as visitors leave with a wealth of background information from the ‘Kittypedia To Go.’ Soon, they’ll have even more knowledge to take home: in our series of short films—the KittyToks—musician Lea Köhler will thoroughly explain each puzzle,” adds Vojta. The team is also collaborating with educators and curriculum experts on additional resources for classroom use, set to be released in 2025. A preview of what’s in store—in addition to the chapters of the “Kittypedia To Go”—can be found in the quick quantum puzzles available for download on the escape room’s website. These puzzles and brainteasers are also great fun for children's birthday parties.

Mission Accomplished

The escape room was inspired by the famous thought experiment in quantum physics known as Schrödinger’s cat. The game’s main character is the sweet, half-dead Kitty Q, whose tracks lead to a mysterious box inside Technische Sammlungen Dresden. Stepping into this box transports participants into a colorful quantum apartment with four rooms filled with concealed puzzles, all set within a bizarre world that operates unlike anything in our everyday reality. The objective is to explore these rooms, uncover and solve the hidden puzzles, and decode the intricacies of the quantum world. With each puzzle solved, Kitty Q is brought a little more out of her half-dead state. The thrilling conclusion of the game reveals whether the quantum feline is dead or alive.

“Whether it’s a school trip, a unique birthday surprise, or a family fun day, everyone who enters the box emerges thoroughly enchanted,” remarks museum director Roland Schwarz. “Much like a real scientific lab, we’ve closely monitored the escape room since opening, resolving initial minor teething troubles. Now, young visitors can have even more fun with the puzzles about Kitty Q and some amazing phenomena of quantum physics. Starting October 1, visits to the escape room can be scheduled at fixed times. We’ve also launched an online booking tool and extended the available time slots.”