World Design Capital 2026: Wiesbaden helps shape it
In 2026, Wiesbaden will be part of an international stage: together with the Frankfurt Rhine-Main metropolitan region, the city will hold the title of World Design Capital 2026. Under the motto "Let's design Frankfurt Rhine-Main together", projects will show how design can influence the way we live together and our democratic culture.
What is the World Design Capital (WDC)?
The World Design Capital is an international award presented every two years by the World Design Organization (WDO). It recognizes cities and regions that use design as a strategic tool to overcome social, economic and environmental challenges.
In 2026, the Frankfurt Rhine-Main metropolitan region will hold this title. Over the course of a year, international and regional projects, exhibitions, festivals and conferences will showcase the potential that design can have for democracy, innovation and quality of life.
Design is not only understood as an aesthetic discipline, but also as a process: as a method to open dialogs, enable participation and actively shape the future.
Wiesbaden's role at the WDC 2026
Wiesbaden is an active part of the World Design Capital 2026. Around 30 projects from and in Wiesbaden have been included in the program - including in the areas of culture, creative industries, urban development, business, education and civil society.
Venue for higher-level program items
In addition to these individual projects, Wiesbaden is also the venue for several overarching program items, including
- the WDC Pavilion, which will stop off in Wiesbaden in summer 2026
- the World Design Policy Conference 2026 in the fall
- and a planned lighthouse in the former SportScheck, which will test new forms of presentation and participation.
This will make Wiesbaden visible both as a project location and as a venue for discourse and events.
Added value for Wiesbaden
Participation in the World Design Capital 2026 offers Wiesbaden long-term opportunities:
- Strengthening the creative and design industries: companies, start-ups and creative artists will benefit from new collaborations and increased visibility.
- Innovative urban development: Projects in the areas of public space, mobility and sustainable construction will provide sustainable impetus.
- International attention: As part of the WDC 2026, Wiesbaden will become the focus of international networks and specialist audiences.
- Social dialog: Design serves as a bridge between business, culture and urban society and creates spaces for new forms of collaboration.
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65185 Wiesbaden
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65029 Wiesbaden
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Notes on public transport
Public transport: Bus stop Dern'sches Gelände, bus lines 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24, 27, 262, 45, 46, 47, 48, E, N2, N4, N5, N9, N10, N11, N12, X26.
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