About WDC 2026

Every two years, the Canadian World Design Organization awards the title of World Design Capital to a city or region. Frankfurt RheinMain is proud to be World Design Capital 2026! That means: The region will become an international stage for design. Whether you're a professional or simply curious – WDC 2026 invites everyone to help design and explore the kind of future we want to live in.

We want to work with the Frankfurt RheinMain region on pioneering projects and numerous events to explore what design can achieve – for society, for how we live together and for democracy. Our programme gives voice to the region and creates a dynamic platform for exchange and testing ideas and visions.

WDC 2026 is sparking a movement – one that looks forward and embraces change. The goal is to create lasting structures that strengthen bold thinking, civic participation and purposeful design beyond 2026. What we’re starting together now is intended to have a long-lasting impact well after the project year ends.

What can design really do?

Many people think of design as something that makes things look nice – furniture, fashion, interiors. But design is so much more. Every part of our living environment is designed – sometimes thoughtfully, sometimes not. Design shapes the atmosphere of public spaces or transport systems. It enables more inclusion through physical accessibility. It can create images of a future we want to live in – and help drive social change.

With WDC 2026, we’re showing what design is capable of when it engages with the big questions of our time: How do we want to live together – now and in the future? How can we shape change? And how do we keep democracy accessible and alive?