Carl Zeiss began building rudimentary microscopes in 1846 and, with Ernst Abbe’s help, developed the first scientific microscope in 1857. Together with Otto Schott, the founder of Jenaer Glasswerke (glass works), they pioneered the production of optical precision instruments, which eventually propelled Jena to global prominence in the early 20th century. Their life stories and the evolution of optical technology are the themes of this interactive museum featuring 3-D holograms.
