Harle Art Exhibition
52nd Open-Air Art Exhibition along the Harle – Theme 2026: Waves, Wind, and Adventure
About Harle Art Exhibition
Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Harle Art Exhibition al mejor precio.
Sponsored link
Art by the Water – for over 50 Years
With its 52nd edition, the Harle Art Exhibition is one of East Frisia's oldest open-air art series. Instead of being displayed in enclosed galleries, the works are placed along the Harle, the small coastal river connecting Wittmund and Carolinensiel. The route is part of a popular cycling path, allowing visitors to explore the exhibition at their own pace – on foot, by bike, or in several stages.
Theme 2026 – Waves, Wind, and Adventure
The annual theme 'Waves, Wind, and Adventure' reflects the location between the geest (upland) and the mudflats. Sculptures, installations, and objects are expected that interpret the element of water, the play of wind, and the spirit of departure characteristic of the coastal region. The spectrum ranges from abstract steel objects and figurative wooden sculptures to participatory sound installations, a range the OKK has established over the years.
The Path as Part of the Exhibition
The stations are distributed to create a cohesive route. Visitors will pass locks, old drainage systems, meadows, and harbor facilities – experiencing art that is not confined to a neutral gallery space but interacts dynamically with the landscape, light, and weather. The atmosphere changes from hour to hour, making the artworks themselves seem like evolving objects.
Ostfriesischer Kunstkreis as Organizer
The Ostfriesischer Kunstkreis (OKK) has been supporting the exhibition since its inception and is a central hub for the regional art scene. Over the years, the Harle Art Exhibition has become a calling card for the OKK – a bridge between professional art, the amateur scene, and a broad audience, often unfamiliar with art, who can casually encounter sculpture and installation here.
Harle Art Exhibition — edition 2026
Opening on May 31, 2026
The season begins with a public opening. Afterwards, the exhibition can be viewed permanently along the Harle. The sculptures generally remain in place for the entire season; some installations will be added or changed during the summer.
Character of the Exhibition
The Harle Art Exhibition is conceived as a site-specific art series – the works are designed for their respective locations or at least curated within them. Those who travel or walk the route will witness a multi-part narrative that understands landscape and art as intertwined fields.
Programme Harle Art Exhibition 2026
Exhibition Schedule 2026
Opening
- Sunday, May 31, 2026 – Official opening with OKK, City of Wittmund, and Deutsches Sielhafenmuseum
- Presentation of the theme 'Waves, Wind, and Adventure'
Thematic Areas
- Water and Waves – Sculptures and objects in relation to the Harle
- Wind – Mobiles, kinetic works, and wind-activated objects
- Adventure – Figurative and narrative works on the spirit of departure
Accompanying Program
- Guided tours by OKK and the Deutsches Sielhafenmuseum
- Art education for schools and families
- Artist talks at various stations
Route
- Wittmund – City center
- Stations along the Harle
- Carolinensiel – Museum harbor
The detailed 2026 program, including participating artists and accompanying events, will be published by the organizer in spring.
Highlights Harle Art Exhibition 2026
Prices Harle Art Exhibition 2026
Practical information — Harle Art Exhibition
2026 Season
Opening: Sunday, May 31, 2026 – Runs until September 2026
Location
Along the Harle river between Wittmund and Carolinensiel (26409 Wittmund)
Admission
Free – Open Air, accessible at all times
Organizer
Ostfriesischer Kunstkreis (OKK) in cooperation with the Deutsches Sielhafenmuseum and the City of Wittmund
Getting There and Visiting
The route is excellently explored by bike – the Harle cycle path connects the stations. Parts of the route can also be covered on foot. Parking available in Wittmund and Carolinensiel.
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
Max. 5 photos, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Spotted an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Each suggestion is reviewed by our team before being published.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Harle Art Exhibition al mejor precio.
Sponsored link