EVI LICHTUNGEN — Biennale for Light Art

Hildesheim — UNESCO World Heritage City

Hildesheim in southern Lower Saxony is one of Germany's most traditional cultural cities. Mariendom and Michaeliskirche have been UNESCO World Heritage sites since 1985; the city center with its historic market square, the Knochenhauerhaus, and the Tempelhaus is among the most beautiful in northern Germany. This cultural history is the foundation upon which EVI LICHTUNGEN thrives.

Light Art Biennale Every Two Years

As a biennale, EVI LICHTUNGEN takes place every two years — 2026 marks the 6th edition. The festival thus looks back on over ten years of history and has established itself as a fixture on the international light art calendar. The people of Hildesheim support the biennale and make it a defining moment for the city's identity.

Annual Theme 2026 — Resonance

The 2026 annual theme is "Resonance". The term refers to the interplay between light art and space, between artwork and viewer, and between the artworks themselves. The participating artists develop their works in response to this theme, focusing on interactions.

Four Days Open Air

For four days — from Thursday, January 22, to Sunday, January 25, 2026 — the light artworks can be experienced after dark (from around 5 p.m.) until the late evening hours. Admission is free. The January festival dates take advantage of the long, dark winter evenings for maximum light effect.

Locations

The light artworks are spread throughout Hildesheim's city center — with focal points at Domhof near Mariendom, the historic Marktplatz with the Knochenhauerhaus, Michaeliskirche, squares, and facades in the old town. A walking tour is the typical way to visit — visitors stroll from one artwork to the next, discovering the city from a completely new perspective.

30,000 Visitors Expected

With an expected 30,000 visitors over four days, EVI LICHTUNGEN is one of the most highly attended light art events in Germany. The high visitor frequency underscores the festival's appeal.

Artistic Diversity

The biennale presents international light artists from various schools — from precise light installations, projections, and video mapping to interactive works. The 2026 program with all artists will be published in advance by the organizer at evilichtungen.de.