Bad Biennale / Stadt.Land.Kunst. – Kultursommer RLP

The Bad Biennale is one of the ambitious art projects of Kultursommer Rheinland-Pfalz 2026. As part of the state theme "The Golden Twenties", the biennale deals with the heritage and relevance of the Golden Twenties – with the splendor, the spirit of departure, modernity, but also the breaks and shadows of that era.

The motto "Glanz für Bad Ems – Glanz für alle!" (Splendor for Bad Ems – Splendor for All!) references Bad Ems' historical role as the "Summer Residence of Europe", a place where emperors, artists, and aristocrats gathered in the 19th century for spa treatments and social glamour. The biennale asks: What does splendor mean today? For whom is it intended, who participates, how democratic is culture?

For two weeks – from July 18 to August 2, 2026 – artists will occupy various locations in Bad Ems. The exact program will be published in spring; expected are installations at prominent public spaces, performances, participatory actions with the local population, as well as accompanying formats such as artist talks and guided tours.

The Bad Biennale is part of the larger Stadt.Land.Kunst. (City.Land.Art.) initiative, which connects art projects in various locations across the state – urban areas, small towns, rural regions – during Kultursommer Rheinland-Pfalz. The choice of Bad Ems is no coincidence: the UNESCO World Heritage spa town offers a mix of educated bourgeoisie, tourists, and long-time residents, promising a lively response to contemporary art.