Programme

A Step Ahead

In 2026, the Mathildenhöhe in Darmstadt will celebrate the 125th anniversary of its first exhibition.

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.

Main Light

Climate-neutral, environmentally friendly lighting for public spaces in Hesse.

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.

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.

Typography for Democracy

Typography for Democracy features several events that explore the cultural significance of typography as a bridge between cultures.

Kiosk of Solidarity X Bahnhofsviertel

Kiosk of Solidarity X Bahnhofsviertel is a project in Frankfurt that addresses drug use, homelessness, and social exclusion.

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 Hub

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.

WDC Pavilion

Sustainably built, modular, and mobile: The Pavilion will travel through the region from April to September 2026, stopping at five to seven key locations – from vibrant city squares to cultural landmarks.

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.

WDC-Campus – young talents at work

Students, teachers and graduates from various disciplines present their projects, concepts and visions - application phase starts soon!

WDC Summer

August 2026 will be the WDC Summer – a full month of creative happenings showcasing the diverse facets of design, making WDC 2026’s year-long activities tangible. From installations and discovery tours to exhibitions, everyone in the region is invited to participate and explore the world of design.

Module – Festival of Form & Experiment

Module is an interdisciplinary festival taking place in August 2026. At its core is the experimental interplay between music, design, and socially relevant topics.

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.

World Design Spotlight

This format combines established media and various channels to feature exciting contributions revolving around WDC themes.

WDC Regular's Table

Exchange is at the heart of WDC 2026. The consultation hour is one of the regular WDC exchange formats.

WDC consultation hour

Exchange is at the heart of WDC 2026. The consultation hour is one of the regular WDC exchange formats.

MFA – Material für Alle

A central platform for reusing materials from the arts and cultural sector.

Checklists

Here are our checklists on inclusion and sustainability.

Key themes

Our programme puts a spotlight on issues that affect us all.

Calendar

Together with numerous partners from Frankfurt RheinMain, World Design Capital 2026 invites you to join a diverse programme in 2026!

Checklists

Here are our checklists on inclusion and sustainability.

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.

Programme Contributors

WDC 2026 thrives on collaboration with institutions, universities, companies, foundations, individuals and many others.

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.

Participate

Take a look at the participation opportunities currently available.

MFA – Material für Alle

A central platform for reusing materials from the arts and cultural sector.