Overarching program items Wiesbaden and region
In addition to the individual projects, Wiesbaden is also the venue for central program items of the World Design Capital 2026. These formats bundle international impulses, create places of exchange, make design tangible and connect local players with global networks.
Grand Opening
Official launch of WDC 2026 (January 16, 2026)
The World Design Capital was officially launched with a festive grand opening in Darmstadt in January 2026. The event brought together stakeholders from politics, culture, business, and civil society and marked the start of the annual program with performances, inspiration, and networking opportunities.
Open - Design Week Frankfurt RheinMain
June 5 to 14, 2026
Open – Design Week invites the general public to open up and showcase places and formats of design. Under the motto "Open to new ideas," interested parties and contributors can make their own contributions – from exhibitions and discussions to project rooms in urban locations. Open offers a wide range of event formats where ideas are shared, spaces are designed, and innovative concepts can be experienced. Design Week will take place in Wiesbaden on June 12, among other locations.
WDC Pavilion - design in the middle of the city
June 22 to July 12, 2026
The WDC Pavilion is a mobile, sustainably built venue that will travel through the region from April to September 2026, stopping at five to seven central locations, including Wiesbaden. It is a meeting place, exhibition space, and venue for workshops, dialogue formats, and participatory activities on site. The location is yet to be announced.
World Design Policy Days - Future needs Design
November 11 to 14, 2026
The World Design Policy Days are an international discourse format that understands design as a strategic tool for solving social and political challenges. The three-day World Design Policy Conference 2026 brings together decision-makers, academics, administrators, and design professionals. It will take place in Wiesbaden, Frankfurt, and Offenbach and will be divided into thematic areas focusing on politics, administration, and attitudes. The highlight will be the closing meeting in Frankfurt's Paulskirche, where visions and insights will be brought together and the region's Design Action Plan will be discussed.
Other key program items in the region
- World Design Experience (June 5 to 14, 2026):
A multi-day festival format with exhibitions, open studios, workshops, and interactive experiences that will transform Frankfurt Rhine-Main into an international stage for design. - Month of Design (August 7 to September 6, 2026):
A whole month of creative activities, installations, tours, and exhibitions. - WDC Campus (April 15 to August 9, 2026):
A platform for students, teachers, and young talents in design to present their projects, research, and ideas and engage in exchange with the region. - WDC Infopoint (year-round):
Anyone who would like to find out more about WDC 2026 can find information material at Heimathafen Wiesbaden.
Embedding for Wiesbaden
Wiesbaden is both a host for project formats and an active part of regional highlights. The city works closely with the WDC project office in Frankfurt, local partners and the Department of Culture to link these program items with content, visibility and opportunities for participation.
Cultural Office
Address
65185 Wiesbaden
Postal address
65029 Wiesbaden
Further information
Visitor entrance: Friedrichstraße 16
Arrival
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.
Telephone
- +49 611 313640
- +49 611 313961
Website
Opening hours
Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.