September 16–18, 2026
Bonn 53113
Germany
Hours: Tuesday and Thursday–Sunday 10am–6pm
Wednesday 10am–9pm
Dear friends of arts and culture,
we are delighted to announce the first edition of our new Bonn Summit: European Forum for Culture and Politics. Join us for three days of an in-depth exchange of ideas.
We live in turbulent times. Social tensions continue to rise. Things we took for granted just ten years ago can no longer be counted on. The transatlantic order is shifting; democratic achievements are coming under threat; the line between reality and disinformation is becoming blurred.
How can we make sense of all this, and what can we, as citizens, do about it?
Culture doesn’t merely reflect these developments—culture is an active agent. Guided by the idea of “Cultural Forces for Open Societies”, the Bundeskunsthalle in Bonn invites you to discuss the foundations of our political culture and to develop constructive scenarios for the future. The Bonn Summit 2026 is more than a conference; it is a laboratory for new alliances between art, science, media, politics, and civil society.
Why you should be there:
We bring together international experts to develop answers to pressing questions of our time. Join the discussion with leading representatives and thought leaders from international art institutions, research organisations, and civil society groups. Expect high-level keynote speeches, intensive deep dives and first-class networking opportunities with Marion Ackermann (SPK, Berlin), Omri Boehm (The New School, New York), Patricia Espinosa (Former Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change), Elizabeth Larison (National Coalition Against Censorship, New York), Jörg Lau (DIE ZEIT), Sven Lehmann (Member of the German Bundestag), Geert Lovink (Institute of Network Cultures, Amsterdam), and many others.
All of this in a city that, as a seat of the EU and the UN, is unmatched in Germany for international cooperation and a long tradition of successful diplomacy.
When: September 16–18, 2026 Where: Bundeskunsthalle (Art and Exhibition Hall of the Federal Republic of Germany), Bonn Themes: USA / transatlantic relations / shrinking civic spaces / culturally coded conflicts / strengthening cultural infrastructures / cultural diplomacy / international cooperation / European identity / concepts for solidarity within planetary boundaries Curated by: Sven Sappelt
Take the opportunity to be part of this crucial debate. The Bundeskunsthalle offers the ideal setting for stimulating discussion and inspiration.
Early bird: Advance booking rates until July 15, 2026.
Tickets & full programme: www.bonnsummit.de
Let’s look forward to three inspiring days in Bonn together!
Yours sincerely,
Eva Kraus and the Bundeskunsthalle team
Director: Eva Kraus / Managing Director: Oliver Hölken
Press officer: Sven Bergmann, presse [at] bundeskunsthalle.de
The Bundeskunsthalle is supported by the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media.
Contact
Bundeskunsthalle, Museumsmeile Bonn, Helmut-Kohl-Allee 4, 53113 Bonn, Germany. T +49 228 9171 200 / info [at] bundeskunsthalle.de.
