† Obituary: EXPLORADO Group Founder Andreas Waschk
The international leisure and attractions industry mourns the passing of entrepreneur Andreas Waschk.
© EDUTAIN AG
(eap) The international leisure and attractions industry mourns the passing of Andreas Waschk (1963–2026), founder of the consulting and project development company AWC (now EDUTA!N AG) and the EXPLORADO Group, which operated the former Odysseum in Cologne and the Explorado Children’s Museum and staged numerous experiential exhibitions.
Waschk was a visionary entrepreneur who began his professional career in the music and events industry before developing his own projects in the leisure and attractions sector, both in Germany and internationally. He also supported international companies in the planning and realisation of experiential exhibitions across Europe.
Among the EXPLORADO Group’s best-known visitor attractions were the Odysseum and the Explorado Children’s Museum. The Odysseum hosted successful exhibitions such as “Harry Potter: The Exhibition” (2014/2015), “Jurassic World: The Exhibition” (2023) and “Harry Potter: Visions of Magic” (2023/2024).
Originally operated in Duisburg, the Explorado Children’s Museum was later relocated to Troisdorf near Cologne, where it continued as the Explorado Adventure Museum. Following a temporary closure for refurbishment, Explorado reopened its doors in May this year as part of the “MO.life” leisure centre, which Waschk also helped develop. The centre now also offers a range of additional attractions and activities, including the “Stuntwerk” climbing and bouldering facility, laser tag, VR experiences and escape rooms.
Through his projects in the field of science centres and experiential exhibitions, Waschk sought to create places where people could come together, revitalising city centres and bringing people closer through shared experiences. He was regarded as a courageous and determined entrepreneur who refused to be discouraged by setbacks. His particular strengths included his powers of persuasion and his tireless drive to turn ideas into reality.
With the passing of Andreas Waschk, the industry has lost a dedicated and dynamic entrepreneur whose projects reached and inspired countless people. ■
