Overview
- The Rhein-Main bid prevailed over Riyadh for the 2026 designation, the first time the title has gone to Germany.
- The World Design Organization in Montréal awards the honor to places that deploy design for social, cultural and economic benefit.
- The program will be delivered with roughly 450 partners across museums, universities, foundations, companies, schools and community groups.
- The opening event is set for January 16 at Darmstadt’s Centralstation, with Hesse’s Minister-President Boris Rhein among the announced attendees.
- Organizers budget about €16 million for the initiative, and regional leaders say it will strengthen Hesse’s creative profile and invite broad public participation.