Art in Autumn — Solingen Botanical Garden

Art Amidst Exotic Plants

The Solingen Botanical Garden — on the slope above the Wupper at Vogelsang 2a — has been combining botany and culture for years with an unusual exhibition series. 'Art in Autumn' will take place in 2026 on October 17 and 18. In the heated show houses, surrounded by palms, bananas, orchids, and tropical perennials, Solingen and regional artists will exhibit their works — a setting that feels entirely different from typical sterile gallery spaces.

Glass Art, Photography, Painting

The three dominant disciplines in 2026: Glass Art (with a live glassblowing demonstration), Photography (Solingen nature photographers, regional landscape photography), and Painting (watercolor, acrylic, oil, regional and experimental styles). The selection is curated — the Botanical Garden works closely with the local art scene, bringing together works that relate to the context (plants, light, growth).

Artists Working Live

Characteristic of 'Art in Autumn': Artists work live on-site. A glassblower will demonstrate glass production among the tropical plants, while other artists will paint or photograph throughout the weekend. Visitors can not only see the finished works but also follow their creation — an educational added value that distinguishes the format from classic exhibition openings.

The Show Houses as Exhibition Space

The heated show houses are the hallmark of the Solingen Botanical Garden. In October, the tropical plant season begins — the houses are full of blooming and fruiting tropical plants. Artworks are placed among them, and the lighting in the show houses creates a special atmosphere. Visitors admire both art and plants equally.

Solingen Botanical Garden as a Location

The Solingen Botanical Garden is located in the Gräfrath district, overlooking the Bergisches Land landscape. It is a municipal garden with show houses, a pergola festival area, plantings, and an active event season: concerts (Friedrich & Wiesenhütter, Lost Crown Caps), dance tea season from May to September, pineapple festival, citrus day, heritage day — and in October, 'Art in Autumn'. In December, a Christmas market follows in cooperation with a hospice foundation.

Solingen's Art Scene

Solingen — the 'City of Blades' with around 160,000 inhabitants — has a surprisingly dense art scene with several studios, galleries, and the art museum collection at the Solingen Theater and Concert Hall. 'Art in Autumn' presents a cross-section of this scene concentrated over a weekend — offering a unique accent in the cultural calendar of the Bergisches Land, especially through the unusual setting amidst exotic plants.