Eine Frau baut an einem Möbel aus Holz©Kevin Münkel

Education is more than just imparting knowledge. It empowers us to shape our environment consciously, creatively, and responsibly. Design plays a central role, transforming the way we learn – in schools, universities, and beyond traditional educational spaces. New learning environments, methods, and tools foster curiosity, collaboration, and independent thinking – from children and teenagers to lifelong learners.
Designers and experts bring knowledge directly to people, while city squares, pavilions, and excursions become spaces for learning. Signature formats like the WDC Pavilion or the WDC Campus, involving around 40 universities from the region as well as national and international partner cities, combine labs, exhibitions, workshops, and discussion spaces – making education a driving force for a meaningful present and future.

Project Highlights

Kinder arbeiten mit Gartenhandwerkzeugen auf einer Wiese.©Busch
August 2025
December 2026
01
Fr
Aug 25

31
Th
Dec 26
Bildung, die nachhallt
FREUDENBERG Gesellschaft Natur & Kunst gemeinnütziger e.V.
Workshops for 10 school classes convey the interconnections between nature and society.
Schloss Freudenberg
Flyer für den Poetryslam for Democracy©Kulturfonds FRM
September 2025
June 2026
Slam for Democracy
Kulturfonds Frankfurt RheinMain
Young people in schools work with artists to create slam texts on the project’s theme.
Wir sind alle©Wir sind alle
November 2025
March 2026
01
Sa
Nov 25

10
Tu
Mar 26
Wir sind alle.
filme+mehr GmbH with August-Gräser-Schule, Schwanheim
Fourth-grade students talk about democratic processes and conflicts in their social environment, create a plot from this, write a screenplay, and turn it into a short film.
August-Gräser-Schule
Illustration eines Hundes der in ein Megafon spricht©Regina Henze
November 2025
May 2026
Das DemokraTier
Prof. Regina Henze
A student competition invites 8–10-year-old pupils to explore the values of democracy in their classrooms through playful activities.
Podiumsdiskussion der Hochschule Darmstadt 2022©h_da/Britta Hüning
December 2025
h_da Dialog-Forum
Hochschule Darmstadt
Three public panel discussions running through spring 2026. The guiding theme is "Designing Democracy".
Hochschule Darmstadt – Fachbereich Gestaltung
Passanten gegutachten Schaukästen an der Frankfurter Hauptwache©Ben Kuhlmann
December 2025
08
Mo
09:00
Kunststation Hauptwache
Domäne S – für Schülerinnen und Schüler e. V.
This project transforms unused display cases and empty shop windows on level D at tube station Hauptwache into creative platforms for students in Frankfurt, allowing them to showcase their ideas and experience democratic participation in public spaces.
Hauptwache
Ein großer, moderner Raum mit Tischen und Büromöbeln.©Tumo Frankfurt
TUMO Frankfurt
Verein zur Förderung von TUMO in Frankfurt e. V. & Volkshochschule Frankfurt am Main
An innovative and free learning center for young people outside of school.
Ein Junge begutachtet ein bedrucktes T-Shirt©Der Fotograf Mannheim
January
October
01
Th
Jan

31
Sa
Oct
Zeichen setzen – Ethik trifft Design
Stiftung Deutsches Design Museum
The workshop “Zeichen setzen” combines an exploration of personal values with creative forms of expression.
Eine Frau beschäftigt sich an einem Computerbildschirm mit künstlich visualisierten Köpfen©Christof Jakob
January
December
01
Th
Jan

31
Th
Dec
KInspiration – KI und Design im schulischen Kontext
Stiftung Deutsches Design Museum
Various free design workshops for schools, led by professional designers.
Junge Menschen basteln an Holzmöbeln©Christof Jakob
January
December
01
Th
Jan

31
Th
Dec
Design Thinking in Aktion
Stiftung Deutsches Design Museum
Design workshops for schools.
Frau sitzt vor einem Gemälde und malt©HMKB
January
December
01
Th
Jan

31
Th
Dec
Hessisches Ministerium für Kultus, Bildung und Chancen
The HMKB focuses on cultural education in schools. Strong cultural education fosters creativity, perspective-taking, respect for diversity, and the experience of self-efficacy.
Hessisches Ministerium für Kultus, Bildung und Chancen
Eine Gruppe Menschen steht im Foyer des Museum Angewandte Kunst©Ben Kuhlmann
January
November
24
Sa
Jan

30
Mo
Nov
CREATE Programm 2026
Museum Angewandte Kunst
The education programme at the Museum Angewandte Kunst is called CREATE, because everyone can be creative and shape something themselves.
Museum Angewandte Kunst, Frankfurt
Von hinten sind ein Mädchen und ein Mann mit Mikrofon zu sehen, wie sie vor Kindern im Publikum draußen reden.©Umweltlernen in Frankfurt e.V.
February
Mobilität und öffentlicher Raum
Umweltlernen in Frankfurt e.V.
Children and young people engage with mobility and help design their city.
Junge Menschen spielen im urbanen Raum©Nikolaus A. Nessler
February
m4-SpaceLab
Nikolaus A. Nessler
A box that gives young people the opportunity to engage in social, cultural, and sports activities in public spaces, while also offering a place to meet without any pressure to consume.
Kinder rennen auf einem Gehweg©Amt fur Soziale Arbeit Wiesbaden
February
October
01
Su
Feb

31
Sa
Oct
Auf die PLÄTZE los
Amt für Soziale Arbeit Wiesbaden
Children from primary schools in Wiesbaden develop their own projects for a child-friendly city.
Eine Frau spielt ein Theaterstück auf einer Bühne©Frédéric Iovino
February
March
20
Fr
Feb

03
Tu
Mar
Starke Stücke: Räume für zukünftige Gedanken
KulturRegion FrankfurtRheinMain gGmbH
Theatre guest performances for schools and libraries in the RheinMain region.
Grafik, auf der steht: Moving Business By Design
February
26
Th
Gesprächsreihe: Moving Business by Design
German Design Council in cooperation with IHK Frankfurt
A joint series of events, together with the German Design Council, to highlight the creative power of design.
IHK Frankfurt am Main
Menschen hängen Demokratiedeckel auf©Ben Kuhlmann
April
December
01
We
Apr

31
Th
Dec
Fragen für gelebte Demokratie
Demokratiedeckel e.V.
The three-day workshop "Questions for Lived Democracy" by Demokratiedeckel e.V. invites students to discover democracy in urban space and actively participate in shaping it.
Evangelische Akademie Frankfurt
Illustration des Wiesenhüttenplatzes im Frankfurter Bahnhofsviertel©Anna Dischkow-Braml
April
07
Tu

10
Fr
Meine Wiese, meine Hütte, mein Platz
Anna Dischkow-Braml
Workshop for children to design the Wiesenhüttenplatz and a small neighborhood festival.
Internationales Kinderhaus
WDC Pavillon©Constructlab
April
15
We

26
Su
WDC Pavilion in Bad Homburg
WDC 2026
We’re heading to Bad Homburg: Come visit us at the WDC Pavilion!
Kurhausgarten
Illustration des WDC Pavillon©Constructlab
April
September
15
We
Apr

27
Su
Sep
WDC Pavilion tour
WDC 2026
The Pavilion will travel through the region, stopping at key locations.
Young Talent Design Campius©Ben Kuhlmann
April
August
WDC-Campus
Students, educators, and graduates from various disciplines present their projects, concepts, and visions.
Website Header-6.jpg
April
May
17
Fr
Apr, 17:00

13
We
May, 20:00
#MyDesign4Democracy
Foto-Club Darmstadt e.V.
A youth photography competition for 9- to 21-year-olds from Darmstadt and the surrounding region. Participants creatively engage with the concept of democracy.
Justus-Liebig-Haus
Stadtführungen in einfacher Sprache©Lebenshilfe Frankfurt e.V.
April
October
18
Sa
Apr

24
Sa
Oct
„Des is doch Design!“
Lebenshilfe Frankfurt am Main e.V.
Guided tours in plain language led by inclusive tandems.
Website Header-12.jpg
May
September
01
Fr
May

03
Th
Sep
Aquanauten Werkstatt
Umwelt-Exploratorium e.V.
Through a playful and interactive approach, young Frankfurters learn about climate and climate justice through the topic of water.
Alter Flugplatz Frankfurt
WDC Pavillon©Constructlab
May
06
We

17
Su
WDC Pavilion in Kelkheim
WDC 2026
We're heading to Kelkheim: Come visik us at the WDC Pavillon!
Rathaus Kelkheim
Democracy Takes©BSAF
May
Democracy Takes
Bildungsstätte Anne Frank e. V.
This video format creates participatory spaces for discourse online and meets interesting people at well-known locations in Frankfurt am Main.
Frankfurt am Main
Website Header-15
May
October
09
Sa
May

03
Sa
Oct
Democracy Ambassadors Talentshow
Europa Union Frankfurt e. V.
Democracy Ambassadors by Europa Union Frankfurt is a creative talent show transforming politics into art.
Hände aus dem Publikum zeigen während einer Veranstaltung auf©Eva Arnold
May
18
Mo

23
Sa
Huch, ein Buch!
Kulturfreunde Centralstation e.V.
15. Jugend- und Kinderliteraturfestival Darmstadt: Gemeinsame Sache
Centralstation Darmstadt
WDC Pavillon©Constructlab
May
June
27
We
May

14
Su
Jun
WDC Pavilion in Offenbach
WDC 2026
We’re heading to Offenbach: Come visit us at the WDC Pavilion!
Pavillon Offenbach
Website Header-14.jpg
June
August
15
Mo
Jun

17
Mo
Aug
Global Goals Pavillion – Ein Treffpunkt zum Erleben und Diskutieren rund um Nachhaltigkeit
Hochschule Darmstadt
An exhibition pavilion featuring immersive media (projections, virtual reality, etc.) to communicate the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at various locations throughout the Rhine-Main region.
Hochschule Darmstadt
WDC Pavillon©Constructlab
June
July
24
We
Jun

12
Su
Jul
WDC Pavilion in Wiesbaden
WDC 2026
We’re heading to Wiesbaden: Come visit us at the WDC Pavilion!
Kochbrunnenplatz
Website Header-5.jpg
July
03
Fr

05
Su
Campus Festival
The Campus Festival invites you to discover the large exhibition together.
Museum Angewandte Kunst, Frankfurt
Illustration des WDC Pavillon©Constructlab
August
19
We

30
Su
WDC Pavilion in Rheingau
WDC 2026
We're heading to Rheingau: Come visit us at the WDC Pavillon!
Garten der Brömserburg
WDC Pavillon©Constructlab
September
WDC Pavilion in Darmstadt
WDC 2026
We're heading to Darmstadt: Come visit us at the WDC Pavillon!
Carree Darmstadt
Website Header-1.jpg
Jugend im Stadtraum
Deutsches Architekturmuseum
For youth involvement in Frankfurt.
Frankfurt am Main
Grafik mit gezeichneten Elementen©Falko Schnelle
Urbane Raumforschung Frankfurt
studio gross klein & Schülern:innen der Georg-August-Zinn-Schule
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
Ein Lastenrad mit einer Bücherkiste vorne©privat
Bibliotheken digifit
FD Kultur Rheingau-Taunus-Kreis
This project strengthens digital participation in the Rheingau-Taunus region. Bibliotheken digifit is a mobile, modular makerspace expanding the possibilities of 15 local libraries and enhancing digital expertise.
Website Header-10.jpg
Geschichten erzählen in Stop-Motion
Karoline Schüßler
In a workshop, ideas, figures, and sets are developed and animated – with a particular focus on upcycling and a sustainable approach to the environment.
Eine ballonartige Skulptur aus recyceltem Plastik©Umwelt-Exploratorium e.V.
re\plastik
Umwelt-Exploratorium e.V.
A participatory exhibition with workshops in schools on the topic of plastics.
Alter Flugplatz Frankfurt
Ein mit Postern und Zeichnungen verzierter Bus: Der DemokratieWagen steht am Straßenrand.©mehr als wählen e.V.
DemokratieWagen in Schulen
mehr als wählen e.V.
An educational role-play game in a converted 20-metre articulated bus.
In einem Ausstellungsraum sind verschiedene illustrierte Figuren zu sehen.©Uwe Dettmar
Bilderbuch und frühe demokratische Bildung
Struwwelpeter Museum
The exhibition presents current exemplary picture books on the topic of democracy, including high-quality picture book design “made in Frankfurt.”
Struwwelpeter Museum
Offenbar Kreativkiosk bietet unter anderem Druckworkshops an©Christina Dirlich
Offenbar Kreativ-Kiosk
offenbar e.V.
Print workshops exploring questions of social coexistence and sustainable community.
Website Header-9.jpg
Klassenräume von morgen
AMD Akademie Mode & Design Wiesbaden
Students work together with school pupils to design classrooms for democratic work and learning.
Auf einer Straße steht ein großes Gemälde, vor dem ein Fahrradfahrer vorbeifährt.©mh-eventproduction
Reclaim inner city
mh-eventproduction , Open Walls
An urban art and education project promoting legal graffiti in Frankfurt’s public spaces.
Website Header-12.jpg
Wir gestalten unseren Lebensraum Schule mit
Gymnasium Eltville
Ideas for a more attractive learning and living environment are being developed and realized in collaboration with professionals from architecture, art, and design.
Gymnasium Eltville
Ein mit Postern und Zeichnungen verzierter Bus: Der DemokratieWagen steht am Straßenrand.©mehr als wählen e.V.
Superkräfte für die Demokratie
mehr als wählen e.V.
Workshops that help participants identify their individual strengths to promote and safeguard democratic values.
Eine Handreichtung zeigt verschiedene Visualisierungen©SDDM
Designwissen – Unterrichtsmaterialien zum Thema Design
Stiftung Deutsches Design Museum
The knowledge platform designwissen.net offers not only thematic foundations on design but also free teaching materials.
vhs – Volkshochschule Frankfurt am Main
The vhs links its broad educational offerings to the core topics of the WDC 2026, creating new ways of engaging with questions of design, participation, and social transformation.
Design macht Schule©Simon Malik
Stiftung Deutsches Design Museum
The non-profit German Design Museum Foundation (SDDM) strengthens the role of design as a shaping force for future-oriented education and society and is committed to promoting design literacy as a key competence for social participation and forward-looking action.
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