Ongoing throughout 2026

As part of a reimagined World Design Spotlight, Frankfurt RheinMain presents #anfangen, a dynamic multimedia series that brings the design potential of the region into focus through monthly video episodes and featured content. Taking place throughout 2026, each installment will highlight individual designers, institutions, and successful projects from the WDC 2026 programme, connecting them with the core themes of Design for Democracy and positioning the region as a model for open, participatory, future-oriented design. 

13 April – 27 September 2026

Created in collaboration with Constructlab, the WDC Pavillion is a modular pavilion that will travel through the Frankfurt RheinMain region from mid-April to the end of September 2026. With tour stops that include Bad Homburg, Offenbach, Wiesbaden and Darmstadt, the WDC Pavillion will activate public spaces with workshops, talks, exhibitions and community-driven programming.

5-14 June 2026

Over ten days, designers, researchers, and cultural practitioners from the region and around the world present exhibitions, talks, workshops, and open studios, contributing original ideas and engaging in dialogue about the future of design. Highlights will include the Frankfurt premiere of Forward Festival, World Industrial Design Day Frankfurt and Form Follows Friendship.

13-16 August 2026

Hosted at Kulturcampus Frankfurt, the Module Festival is an interdisciplinary cultural festival that will fuse design, music, performance, art, and social discourse. The festival invites audiences to explore experimental approaches to democratic life through participatory programmes, evening performances, talks and creative collaborations.

11-14 November 2026

The three-day World Design Policy Days will bring together leaders in design, politics, and science from across the Frankfurt RheinMain region and internationally to explore how design can address complex societal challenges.

The three-day event includes the World Design Policy Conference, the World Design Network of Cities Meeting for municipal design leadership exchange between past WDC cities and World Design Convocation Ceremony at Frankfurt’s Paulskirche, a key moment celebrating the achievements of World Design Capital Frankfurt RheinMain 2026 as the region formally passes the WDC title to Busan (South Korea).