The exhibition “A Step Ahead” opens during the festival weekend on June 6th and 7th
The science city of Darmstadt invites visitors to the World Heritage Festival on the Mathildenhöhe on June 6th and 7th, 2026. The occasion is the 125th anniversary of the first exhibition of the Darmstadt Artists' Colony, which is considered a milestone in international architecture, art, and design history.
The highlight of the festival weekend is the opening of the new exhibition “A Step Ahead – 125 Years of Mathildenhöhe Darmstadt”, which combines historical ideas of the artists' colony with current issues of design, sustainability and social development.
Anniversary of a groundbreaking exhibition
When the Darmstadt artists' colony presented its first exhibition in 1901, fully furnished, modern houses and landscaped open spaces were shown for the first time as complete works of art. The building exhibitions on the Mathildenhöhe explored how architecture, design, and art could improve daily life.
These ideas continue to have an impact today and shape the UNESCO World Heritage Site Mathildenhöhe, which was added to the World Heritage List in 2021.
Mayor and Head of Cultural Affairs Hanno Benz emphasizes the importance of the anniversary: "For 125 years, Mathildenhöhe Darmstadt has stood for the courage to rethink design and to help shape social developments."
Exhibition bridges the present
The exhibition “A Step Ahead” takes the historical heritage of the artists’ colony as a starting point to illuminate current social challenges and innovative design approaches.
Design is understood here not only as the creation of objects, but as a creative process for developing sustainable solutions. Historical exhibits, contemporary works, and interactive stations enter into a dialogue with one another.
The official opening on Saturday, June 6th, at 6 pm will be attended by Mayor Hanno Benz and the Hessian Minister of Science and Culture, Timon Gremmels.
Festival of Lights on the Mathildenhöhe
The opening of the exhibition will also mark the start of a special illumination of the World Heritage Site. Lanterns, tea lights, and illuminated buildings will evoke the historical light festivals of the artists' colony and bathe the Mathildenhöhe in atmospheric light.
The exhibition “A Step Ahead” can be visited free of charge on Saturday between 7 pm and 9 pm.
Guided tours, arts and crafts and family program
A comprehensive program awaits visitors throughout the weekend. Among the attractions open are the exhibition, the Artists' Colony Museum, the Wedding Tower, and the artists' houses Haus Olbrich, Haus Deiters, and Großes Haus Glückert.
The offer is complemented by:
Craft market in the plane tree grove
A craft market invites visitors to stroll around on both days. In addition, various initiatives and organizations will present themselves at information stands.
Music and gastronomy
Live music and food and drink options create a festival atmosphere on the World Heritage site.
Program for children
On Sunday, June 7th, special family activities will be offered as part of German UNESCO World Heritage Day. These include the children's tour "Matilda's Journey", a mobile play area, and performances by a children's choir from Wixhausen and the children's dance group of the 1st Arheilgen Carnival Club.
Combined ticket including RMV use
A combination ticket is offered for the World Heritage Festival. This includes admission to the exhibition, museum, wedding tower and artists' houses, as well as participation in guided tours of the World Heritage Site.
In addition, the ticket includes free use of buses and trains throughout the entire Darmstadt fare zone 4000.
Further information about the program, tickets and travel can be found at:
World Heritage Festival Mathildenhöhe 2026
(DARMSTADT – RED/PSD/stip)
