About the STEINARIUM in Jena

STEINARIUM Interior View

Founded in October 2019, STEINARIUM in Jena started as a new specialty toy store with a clear vision: to make creativity and imagination accessible to all age groups. However, the beginning was challenging, as the COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns presented us with unexpected hurdles. To ensure the necessary distance and increased need for space, we quickly moved to larger premises on Saalbahnhofstraße. But even there, we faced the next challenge when an announced major construction site directly opposite us forced us to change again. Finally, we found our place in the heart of the city center, where today we offer a wide range of interlocking bricks and building accessories. Immerse yourself in a shopping experience that leaves nothing to be desired and get to know our team:

Who is Miriam?

Miriam Kubrat, the founder and owner of STEINARIUM in Jena, brings over 20 years of experience in toy retail. Originally a trained pastry chef, she transferred her love for colorful cookie creations to interlocking bricks. This passion for creativity and attention to detail led her into the world of LEGO Brand Stores, where she worked as a manager in Germany, Austria, France, England, and China. This international experience not only provided her with extensive knowledge of the global toy market but also a deep understanding of the needs and wishes of customers worldwide.

The STEINARIUM – a Creative Place for Children

At STEINARIUM, Jena’s first specialty store for interlocking bricks, Miriam implements her vision of a place where creativity and imagination are fostered. A special aspect of her vision is to create a store specifically designed for children – a place where they feel welcome and understood. This is reflected, among other things, in the counter being designed at three different heights, so that even the youngest can be served without difficulty. Of course, adults are also warmly invited to explore the fascinating world of interlocking bricks. With an extensive range of building blocks, individual printing options, and a dedicated Education Center, STEINARIUM offers a unique shopping experience for all age groups.

Adult Education in the Education Center

Within the Education Center, Miriam, as a certified trainer, develops not only STEM courses for children and teenagers but also creative training and coaching concepts for adults. Her multicultural understanding of personnel management, acquired through her work in several countries, enables her to recruit and train staff very effectively. Her approach integrates playful learning with practical applications, leading to a deeper understanding and sustainable learning experiences.

miriam-steinarium
andre-steinarium

Why stickers when you can print?

Behind every strong woman is a man who ‘makes things happen’ behind the scenes 😉

André also worked for many years in an international context at LEGO, including in store management, where he met Miriam. This experience allowed him to turn his passion for interlocking bricks into a profession. He is a true enthusiast when it comes to interlocking bricks. Even in his childhood, he began to decorate his bricks with self-made stencils and felt-tip pens because the included stickers simply weren’t enough for him. Today, he is known in the interlocking brick scene as a ‘mocprinter,’ as he customizes bricks, tiles, and plates at STEINARIUM with a professional UV printer.

Dank dieser Erfahrungen hat er gemeinsam mit Miriam das Konzept des Education Centers entwickelt. Diese innovative Idee brachte ihnen 2024 den zweiten Platz beim Wettbewerb des StadtLab Jena ein. Aufgrund des großen Interesses und der positiven Resonanz wird das Education Center nun dauerhaft angeboten, um weiterhin kreative Lernmöglichkeiten für alle Altersgruppen zu schaffen.