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Hesse’s 2026 cultural explosion: Baroque, Dürer, and festivals galore

A once-in-a-lifetime year unfolds as Hesse celebrates 80 years of history and 500 years of art. Will you witness Dürer’s legacy or dance under Baroque skies?

The image shows a poster for the 75th International Messe Frühjahr in Munich, Germany. It features...
The image shows a poster for the 75th International Messe Frühjahr in Munich, Germany. It features a white background with text and a sculpture in the center. The sculpture is a representation of the festival, with its bright colors and intricate details. The text on the poster likely provides information about the event, such as the date, time, and location.

Which trips and concerts could be particularly worthwhile in 2026 - Hesse’s 2026 cultural explosion: Baroque, Dürer, and festivals galore

Hesse is gearing up for a landmark year in 2026, packed with major cultural anniversaries. From world-renowned festivals near me to historic art exhibitions, the region will celebrate milestones spanning centuries. Events will honour everything from Baroque music to the legacy of Old Masters like Dürer and Rembrandt.

One highlight includes the 75th Bad Hersfeld Festival, featuring two new productions, while Kassel prepares multiple exhibitions to mark the 50th anniversary of its Neue Galerie. Meanwhile, Fulda will host the 63rd Hessentag, coinciding with the state’s 80th anniversary, offering ten days of festivals near me and cultural activities.

The celebrations begin in Kassel, where the Neue Galerie turns 50. Its anniversary exhibition, Resonance Spaces: documenta Art and Recent Acquisitions, will showcase key works from past documenta shows alongside new additions. The city will also host two major art retrospectives: one for Albrecht Dürer’s 500th death anniversary, titled Dürer – For Hessian Princes, and another marking Rembrandt’s 420th birthday with Rembrandt 1632: The Making of a Brand.

Elsewhere, Darmstadt’s Mathildenhöhe reaches its 125th year. The exhibition A Step Ahead – Mathildenhöhe Darmstadt at 125 will explore the site’s influence on modern design and architecture. Over in Arolsen, the Baroque Festival’s 40th edition promises a unique programme, including nocturnal concerts and performances inspired by cosmic themes. The Rheingau Monastery Trail will mark a decade since its opening with a special ceremony, while Glauberg prepares for the 30th anniversary of its iconic Celtic Prince statue. Discovered in 1996, the life-sized figure remains a symbol of the region’s ancient culture.

Festivals near me will also take centre stage. Fulda welcomes the 63rd Hessentag from June 12 to 21, blending traditional celebrations with contemporary events. The Bad Hersfeld Festival reaches its 75th year, debuting two world premieres as part of its theatre programme.

The 2026 calendar reflects Hesse’s rich culture, from Baroque music to contemporary art. Major exhibitions in Kassel, Darmstadt, and Glauberg will draw visitors, while festivals near me in Fulda and Bad Hersfeld offer entertainment for all ages. With anniversaries spanning 80 years of state history to 500 years of artistic legacy, the year promises a wide range of experiences across the region.

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