ArtFestGames 2026

In her first edition of the KunstFestSpiele Herrenhausen festival, the new artistic director, Brigitta Muntendorf, is focusing on the interplay between art, technology, and science; international and local collaborations; a two-day children’s art extravaganza; and club culture.

100 events and 23 productions

Between the baroque garden and the digital world, audiences can expect a program full of new artistic formats and new perspectives on art and society between 22 May and 7 June 2026. Around 700 artists from various genres will be involved in around 100 events and 23 productions, including one world premiere and five German premieres, original works and co-productions. 

The 17th KunstFestSpiele Herrenhausen, set against the backdrop of the magnificent Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen, will open on Friday, May 22, with a concert performance of Philip Glass’s legendary minimalist opera *Einstein on the Beach*, featuring Suzanne Vega, at Hannover’s New City Hall and a specially created Beach Club at the Maschteich. Further festival highlights follow right on the opening weekend: the German premiere of the futuristic-apocalyptic music theater piece *The Day Before*, developed by Brigitta Muntendorf together with Christiane Jatahy and in cooperation with the KunstFestSpiele Herrenhausen and the Vienna Festival; the legendary sound installation *The Forty Part Motet* by the pioneer of immersive sound art, Janet Cardiff, in the Baroque Gallery at Herrenhausen (Sat, May 23/Sun, May 24) and an exciting children’s art spectacle (Sun, May 24/Mon, May 25). 

Advance ticket sales

Advance ticket sales for all events in the 2026 festival season have begun online on the Kunstfestspiele website. High school and college students receive a 50% discount on all tickets.