On 18 September 2026, ESPI opened its doors to the public for the first time, welcoming visitors to its headquarters in Vienna for an afternoon and evening exploring what space means beyond policy and technology.
The day began with guided tours and a children’s art workshop, drawing families and young visitors into a space normally reserved for research and policy discussion. Judith Delany, who organised the workshop, said:
“Space truly is for ALL – and it was so nice to see, that so many wanted to learn more about their Space in it at the ESPI Open Day.”
In the evening, guests were welcomed to view an original art exhibition developed in collaboration with Vienna-based artist Wendelin Pressl. Each of the five works engaged with one of ESPI’s thematic research areas, offering an accessible and reflective entry point into questions that usually sit within specialist debate.
The programme continued with “Connecting Art and Space”, a conversation between Pressl and ESPI’s Research Leads on the relationship between creative practice and space policy, hosted by Judith Delany. Reflecting on the experience, Pressl said:
“Space policy and art! It was really exciting, and there were a surprising number of similarities between these fields! Thank you all!”
A cocktail reception followed, giving visitors the chance to meet ESPI’s researchers directly.
Looking back on the day, ESPI’s Director of Finance and Administration, Evelyn Obernosterer-Egger, said:
“Your curiosity for space drives us. Together, let us continue to look up and explore why space matters for the future of life here on Earth.”
With over 150 registrations, the Open Day marked a new kind of engagement for ESPI: an invitation for the public to step inside an institution that shapes European space policy, and to see that work through a different lens.
