The city church and deanery will commemorate a historic anniversary from August to November
The Reformation began in Darmstadt 500 years ago. To mark this occasion, the Evangelical City Church Parish of Darmstadt and the Evangelical Deanery of Darmstadt invite you to an extensive series of events from August 22nd to November 1st, 2026.
The historical background dates back to 1526. On August 21 of that year, Landgrave Philip the Magnanimous decreed that the Catholic Church of St. Mary in Darmstadt should become the Protestant city church. A few weeks later, pastors in Hesse were obligated to preach the Gospel according to the teachings of Martin Luther. From Darmstadt, the Reformation spread throughout what was then the Upper County of Katzenelnbogen.
Opening ceremony and exhibition
The series of events opens on August 22nd with a festival in the piazza in front of the town church. At 5 p.m., the exhibition "Images of Luther from Six Centuries" will open inside the church, followed by a keynote address. The opening day will conclude with a concert by the GoGospel choir from Traisa at 7:30 p.m.
Concerts, lectures and guided tours
The program includes numerous events focusing on the history and significance of the Reformation. Planned events include concerts of various musical styles, lectures, readings, film screenings, and a bicycle tour entitled "Bicycle and Reformation – Protestant Church Architecture in Darmstadt".
The Hessian State Museum in Darmstadt is also participating with a guided tour on the theme of "Images of the Reformation." In addition, the program includes religious services such as Evensongs, Bach Vespers, and a joint "living room church" service by the Protestant and Catholic university congregations.
Prominent guests at sermon series
A special part of the event series is the autumn sermon series under the motto "500 Years of Reformation in Darmstadt - What does Reformation mean to us today?".
Contributors include Hanno Benz, Peter Kohlgraf, Darmstadt city archivist Dr. Sandra Zimmermann and deputy church president Ulrike Scherf.
On October 31st, the Darmstadt deanery's Reformation service will take place, followed by a youth party in the city church.
Entry is usually free
Most events are free of charge; donations are welcome. A program booklet will be available from July onwards at the town church, at Kirche & Co., at the deanery, and at other public locations.
Further information and the complete program are available on the websites of the city church and the Protestant deanery of Darmstadt.
(DARMSTADT – RED/EKHN)
