Einige Personen sitzen in einem schönen Raum mit viel Fensterfläche. Im Hintergrund ist ein großes Plakat von World Design Capital 2026.©Ben Kuhlmann

Programme

For us, democratic design begins with programme development. WDC 2026 sees itself as a participatory platform – meaning: It's not just the outcome that matters, but also the process of getting there.

Open calendarKey themes

The 3 pillars of the programme

WDC's own formats
WDC's own formats provide a common thread running through the WDC year 2026 and create versatile stages for the creative industries. These include a mobile pavilion, the international Open – Design Week Frankfurt RheinMain, the WDC Campus – young talents at work, the WDC ship, the Module Festival and the Policy Days. The focus is on networking and co-creation between design, technology, communication, mobility and civil society.

Cooperations
Important programme highlights are created in close cooperation with selected, renowned cooperation partners such as museums, universities, companies and foundations from the region. These partners contribute their expertise, creativity and passion and play a decisive role in highlighting the diversity and innovative strength of the region.

Projects
Numerous projects are forming the supporting foundation of WDC 2026, developed by people from the region, institutions and associations – from Frankfurt to Darmstadt, from Wiesbaden to Offenbach.

Project Highlights from the region

Die Mathildenhöhe ist im Sonnenuntergang vor blauem Himmel.©Sinah Osner
June
05
Fr
Jun 26
30
Sa
Jan 27
A Step Ahead
In 2026, the Mathildenhöhe in Darmstadt will celebrate the 125th anniversary of its first exhibition.
Mathildenhöhe Darmstadt
Vorplatz Jüdisches Museum Frankfurt©Jüdisches Museum Frankfurt
April
16
Th
Apr
26
Sa
Sep
Mishpocha – The Art of Collaboration Jüdisches Museum Frankfurt
Das Jüdische Museum Frankfurt, Atelier Markgraph and the IMA Clique invite you to an extraordinary experiential exhibition.
Jüdisches Museum Frankfurt
Am Radweg zwischen Frankfurt und Offenbach stehen große, bunte Leuchten.©Tobias Trübenbacher, Andreas Lang
May
05
Tu
May
29
Th
Oct
Main Light
Climate-neutral, environmentally friendly lighting for public spaces in Hesse.
Project Street as a Runway©Francesco Schifano
Die Straße als Startbahn / The Street as a Runway
The Street as a Runway explores the use of public spaces. Streets weren’t always meant for cars. In workshops focused on kite-building and flying, people of all ages will come together in the streets.
Grafik mit gezeichneten Elementen©Falko Schnelle
Urbane Raumforschung Frankfurt
Young people shaping their neighborhood! Together with experts and the local community they explore and transform public spaces. The city becomes their own project.
Georg-August-Zinn-Schule
Project Typography for Democracy©Golnar Kat Rahmani
Typography for Democracy
Typography for Democracy features several events that explore the cultural significance of typography as a bridge between cultures.
Project Kiosk of Solidarity©Monika Keiler
Kiosk of Solidarity X Bahnhofsviertel
Kiosk of Solidarity X Bahnhofsviertel is a project in Frankfurt that addresses drug use, homelessness, and social exclusion.
Project Booty Bounce©Booty Bounce
Booty Bounce
Booty Bounce is a performance project over several months that puts queer BIPoC FLINTA* individuals in Frankfurt in the spotlight, while fostering their participation in the cultural scene.

WDC events with regional and international focus

Am Museum Angewandte Kunst hängt ein Banner von WDC 2026.©Ben Kuhlmann (Ben Kuhlmann (Photographer) - [None]
January
23
Fr
Jan
29
Su
Nov
WDC Hub 2026
The WDC Hub at Museum Angewandte Kunst is WDC 2026’s central home – a vibrant meeting point where the year’s themes come together. Here, international impulses and regional perspectives converge.
Museum Angewandte Kunst
Illustration des WDC Pavillon©Constructlab
April
12
Su
Apr
26
Sa
Sep
WDC Pavilion tour
The Pavilion will travel through the region, stopping at key locations.
Ein rosa Kreis auf einer schwarzweißen Straßenszene
June
04
Th
13
Sa
Open – Design Week Frankfurt RheinMain
In June 2026, Frankfurt RheinMain will become an international stage for designing tomorrow. For ten days, visionary design from the region will meet impulses from around the world.
Young Talent Design Campius©Ben Kuhlmann
April
August
WDC-Campus
Students, educators, and graduates from various disciplines present their projects, concepts, and visions.
Foto der Paulskirche in Frankfurt©Ben Kuhlmann
November
10
Tu
13
Fr
Policy Days
The World Design Policy Conference 2026 will be the global gathering for design, politics, and science, aiming to establish design as a strong driver for addressing societal and political challenges. The conference will take place in Wiesbaden, Frankfurt, and Offenbach.

Exchange and offers

Personen sitzen und sprechen zusammen im Hinterhof mit Baum und Hängematte©Ben Kuhlmann
WDC Regular's Table
Exchange is at the heart of WDC 2026. The consultation hour is one of the regular WDC exchange formats.
Foto von Mitarbeiter*innen des WDC im Projektbüro©Ben Kuhlmann
WDC consultation hour
Exchange is at the heart of WDC 2026. The consultation hour is one of the regular WDC exchange formats.
online
Material für Alle©Ivan Murzin
MFA – Material für Alle
A central platform for reusing materials from the arts and cultural sector.
Gwinnerstraße 46
Checklisten©Ben Kuhlmann
Checklists
Here are our checklists on inclusion and sustainability.

More Information on the Programme

Moodbild©Ben Kuhlmann
Calendar
Together with numerous partners from Frankfurt RheinMain, World Design Capital 2026 invites you to join a diverse programme in 2026!
Am Museum Angewandte Kunst hängt ein Banner von WDC 2026.©Ben Kuhlmann (Ben Kuhlmann (Photographer) - [None]
Key programme themes
Our programme puts a spotlight on issues that affect us all.
see-Camp©Ben Kuhlmann
Programme background
For us, design begins with participation. This is what lies behind our programme.
Checklisten©Ben Kuhlmann
Checklists
Here are our checklists on inclusion and sustainability.
Zwei Personen sitzen an einem Tisch im Büro und diskutieren über ein Plakat.©Ben Kuhlmann
Programme development
Our programme is largely based on our Open Call — shaped by submitted projects and ideas, our own events and a wide range of cooperations.
Stammtisch©Ben Kuhlmann
Programme Contributors
WDC 2026 thrives on collaboration with institutions, universities, companies, foundations, individuals and many others.
Menschen sitzen in einem Kreis auf einer Wiese bei gutem Wetter©Ben Kuhlmann
Code of Conduct
Our Code of Conduct sets out the values and principles that matter to us. These guidelines are grounded in our democratic constitution and shape the way we work—both internally and externally.
Zwei Personen stehen vor der Ausstellung des Werkstattwagens und unterhalten sich.©Ben Kuhlmann
Participate
Take a look at the participation opportunities currently available.
Material für Alle©Ivan Murzin
MFA – Material für Alle
A central platform for reusing materials from the arts and cultural sector.
Gwinnerstraße 46