Renewing a permanent exhibition in whole or in part is a common task for employees in science museums and science centers. To tap the full potential of a reopening and avoid the associated pitfalls different issues should be considered: How can an established institution reinvent itself? How can a conglomerate of exhibits and topics which evolved over a long period of time be transferred into a new and coherent concept? What should we conserve – what should we eliminate? How many resources are necessary and what do they cost? Which adaptations are possible during regular visitation? Is a temporary closure an option? How should communication and public relations departments be involved in the process?