Manifesta 16 Ruhr 2026

The 16th edition of Manifesta, the European Nomadic Biennial, will take place from June 21 to October 4, 2026, across Germany’s Ruhr Area, with activities spanning the cities of Duisburg, Essen, Gelsenkirchen, and Bochum.

Titled “This is not a church,” Manifesta 16 Ruhr explores how under-used and vacant religious buildings can be transformed into new spaces for community, culture, and contemporary art. The 2026 edition will repurpose twelve post-war church buildings, creating accessible venues where artistic practices and social engagement come together.

The program features site-specific art commissions, workshops, communal cooking sessions, public gatherings, and community-led activities, encouraging meaningful interaction between artists, local residents, and visitors. Rather than presenting art solely within traditional exhibition spaces, Manifesta 16 Ruhr uses existing architectural and social structures as starting points for dialogue and collaboration.

A complementary initiative, Manifesta 16+, expands the biennial’s grassroots approach by working with local cultural projects and communities across towns throughout the Ruhr region. With free admission for all visitors, Manifesta 16 Ruhr offers an open and inclusive platform that connects contemporary art with community life, social transformation, and the cultural heritage of the region.