Jahresausstellung Burg Giebichenstein Kunsthochschule Halle

An Art University Opens Its Doors

Burg Giebichenstein University of Art and Design Halle is one of Germany's most renowned universities for art and design — founded in 1915, with a tradition reaching back to Wilhelm von Bode, Paul Thiersch, and the Bauhaus. Today, around 1,100 students study in Halle, in the fields of art and design. Once a year — usually in July — the university opens its workshops, studios, and student rooms for the annual exhibition. This is not only the Burg's largest cultural event but also one of the most important dates in Halle's cultural landscape as a whole.

Opening: Fashion Showcase in the Sparkassen-Eisdom

The festive days begin on Friday, July 17, 2026, at 7:30 PM with the "Werkschau Mode" (Fashion Showcase). For the first time, it will take place in the Sparkassen-Eisdom — an unusual venue for Halle, intended to open up "new spatial and staging perspectives" for the fashion presentations. The fashion designers from the Burg have been among the outstanding talents of the German fashion scene for years; their showcase is always a high-caliber staging highlight.

Two Days of Open University

On Saturday, July 18, and Sunday, July 19, the Burg opens its locations. Campus Design and the Hermes Building are open both days from 10 AM to 6 PM — Industrial Design, Communication Design, Interior Architecture, Game Design and Learning Design, Fashion Design, Jewelry, and Book Art can be seen here. Campus Kunst (Art Campus) is open Saturday 12 PM to 8 PM and Sunday 10 AM to 6 PM — Painting, Graphics, Sculpture, Ceramics, Performance. In addition, the parallel exhibition "Take Off 2026" with works by master's graduates opens on July 16 and runs until August 9.

Halle as a Creative City

In recent years, Halle (Saale) has developed into one of the most important creative hubs in Central Germany. Burg Giebichenstein is a pillar of this development — alongside the Bauhaus heritage in Dessau, the Bauhaus Foundation, the Kunstverein, and several independent scene projects. The annual exhibition makes this substance visible for a weekend — with free admission everywhere.