Open – Design Week Frankfurt RheinMain
WDC 2026
Experience design where it happens
For ten days, more than 100 studios, companies, universities and institutions across the Frankfurt RheinMain region will open their doors. The Open – Design Week Frankfurt RheinMain offers insights into how design takes shape in practice – from crafts and the creative industries to research, technology and industry.
Discover places that are usually not accessible, meet the people behind the ideas and experience how design contributes to new solutions.
What to expect
The Open – Design Week Frankfurt RheinMain provides insights into design – on site and in direct exchange with the people behind it.
Open studios & companies
Gain behind-the-scenes insights into studios, agencies and companies, and see how ideas are developed and realised.
Exhibitions & installations
Experience design, art and research in exhibitions and pop-up presentations across the region.
Talks, workshops, & conferences
Engage with experts from design, business and society – or take part yourself.
Festivals & events
Attend larger programme events bringing together regional actors and international guests.
Exclusive insights
Discover how development and production take shape, and gain an insight into the work of companies and research institutions.
Week at a glance
05–7 June | Opening days
Exhibitions, film programmes and initial community events mark the beginning of the week.
08–12 June | Open doors week
Each day focuses on a different city. Studios, companies and institutions open their doors and provide insights into their work.
12–14 June | Festivals and closing
The final days are shaped by larger events and international formats.
Discover the programme
Five days, five cities
The Open – Design Week takes place across the entire region. During the focus days, you can explore individual cities depending on your interests, themes or perspectives on design
Hanau – 08 June
Craft, material expertise and design tradition
Discover how craftsmanship, materials and design come together.
Why go?
If you want to experience how design emerges from materials and hands-on practice.
Frankfurt – 09 June
Urban design, communication and brands
Experience the diversity of the design scene across agencies, companies and institutions.
Why go?
If you want to explore a wide range of perspectives on design in one day.
Offenbach – 10 June
Creative production and emerging talent
Discover places where design is produced and further developed.
Why go?
If you are interested in new impulses and emerging voices in design.
Darmstadt – 11 June
Technology, research and innovation
Gain insights into materials, technologies and developments.
Why go?
If you want to explore future-oriented topics and innovation in greater depth.
Wiesbaden – 12 June
Communication, brands and tradition
Explore how design shapes communication and the public realm.
Why go?
If you want to understand how design engages with tradition and cultural context.
Key venues of the Open
Alongside the many open studios, a number of key venues serve as central meeting points throughout the Open – Design Week, bringing together themes, formats and participants.
Museum Angewandte Kunst – Next Generation Space
This space focuses on design education, cultural production and sustainable consumption.
Massif E – Worldwide Creatives Space
A meeting point for international creatives and the regional scene, featuring exhibitions, talks and film programmes.
Kaiser Karree – Creative Economy Space
This venue highlights design as an economic driver and a catalyst for innovation.
Danziger Platz – Urban Living Space
Projects on architecture, urban development and new forms of living together.
Designhaus Darmstadt – Innovative Industries Space
Materials, production and technologies at the intersection of design and industry.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about the Open
Events during the Open
Consultation hours
The consultation hours are one of the regular dialogue formats of WDC 2026 and are aimed at programme contributors to the Open – Design Week. Here, you can clarify questions about participation, discuss your ideas and challenges, and connect directly with the team. The format offers guidance, feedback and support in developing your contribution.
