Kult(o)urnacht Speyer
Edition 2026 Music Jazz Classical

Kult(o)urnacht Speyer

25th Anniversary of the Speyer Culture Night – around 30 galleries, museums, churches, and cultural venues offer programming until 1 AM

Speyer — Kreisfreie Stadt Speyer (07318) Since 2001
Dates 29 May — 29 May 2026
Venue Speyer (07318)
Prices
Status

About Kult(o)urnacht Speyer

The Kult(o)urnacht Speyer is Speyer's Culture Night and one of the most important cultural events in the cathedral city. 2026 marks the 25th anniversary – a special festive year for the event established in 2001. From 7 PM to 1 AM, around 30 galleries, museums, churches, and cultural venues open their doors, offering concerts, readings, exhibitions, performances, and dance. The opening ceremony takes place at 7 PM in the Kulturhof Flachsgasse, led by Mayor Prof. Dr. Alexander Schubert. Highlights include the Historical Museum of the Palatinate, the Municipal Gallery, the Art Association, and the art exhibition 'A Lifetime of New Things' by Manuel Thomas. Thus, the Kult(o)urnacht combines all aspects of Speyer's cultural life into one long night of encounters.

The Kult(o)urnacht Speyer – the playful pun combines 'Kultur' (culture) and 'Tournee' (tour) – is Speyer's version of the nationally popular Culture Nights. Since 2001, around 30 cultural venues in Speyer's city center have opened their doors each year for a long Culture Night from 7 PM to 1 AM.

25th Anniversary 2026

The 2026 edition marks the 25th anniversary of the Kult(o)urnacht and will be celebrated in a particularly festive manner. Established in 2001, the event has become a firm fixture in Speyer's cultural calendar, attracting thousands of visitors to the city center annually.

Opening at Kulturhof Flachsgasse

The official opening will take place on Friday, May 29, 2026, at 7 PM in the Kulturhof Flachsgasse – a historic courtyard complex in Speyer's old town that serves as a cultural hub. Mayor Prof. Dr. Alexander Schubert will officially open the Kulturnacht, kicking off six hours of culture throughout the city center.

Around 30 Locations

Around 30 galleries, museums, churches, and cultural venues will open their doors:

  • Historisches Museum der Pfalz (Historical Museum of the Palatinate): One of the most important cultural history museums in Southern Germany, featuring the famous Cathedral Treasury and the Wittelsbach Treasury.
  • Städtische Galerie (Municipal Gallery): A stage for contemporary art.
  • Kunstverein Speyer (Speyer Art Association): A platform for local and regional art exhibitions.
  • Kaiserdom zu Speyer (Speyer Cathedral) and other churches with special programs.
  • Kulturhof Flachsgasse as a central meeting point.
  • Numerous other galleries, cultural associations, and initiatives.

Art Exhibition 'A Lifetime of New Things' by Manuel Thomas

A special highlight of the 2026 Kult(o)urnacht is the art exhibition 'A Lifetime of New Things' by artist Manuel Thomas. The exhibition explores artistic rediscovery and innovation throughout a lifetime, offering a reflective connection to the anniversary nature of the 25th Kult(o)urnacht.

Six Hours of Culture in Speyer's City Center

The program encompasses the full spectrum of Speyer's cultural scene: visual arts, concerts (classical, jazz, pop), readings, performances, dance, theater, special museum tours, and lectures. Visitors can move between venues, often with extended or special opening hours compared to regular museum visits, and curate their personal cultural tour.

Admission and Tickets

A combined ticket is available for the Kult(o)urnacht, granting access to all participating venues. Advance sales through the City of Speyer and online platforms.

Kult(o)urnacht Speyer — edition 2026

The 25th Kult(o)urnacht Speyer takes place on Friday, May 29, 2026, from 7 PM to 1 AM. Around 30 galleries, museums, churches, and cultural venues in Speyer's city center open their doors for six hours of culture. Opening at 7 PM in the Kulturhof Flachsgasse by Mayor Prof. Dr. Alexander Schubert. Special program highlights: Historical Museum of the Palatinate, Municipal Gallery, Speyer Art Association, and the art exhibition 'A Lifetime of New Things' by Manuel Thomas. Tickets as a combined ticket available from the City of Speyer.

The 25th anniversary edition in 2026 will be particularly festive. Since 2001, the Kult(o)urnacht has become a firm fixture in Speyer's cultural calendar and is now one of the most important cultural events in the southern Palatinate region. Thousands of visitors are expected, who will wander between venues and experience the full spectrum of Speyer's cultural scene.

Programme Kult(o)urnacht Speyer 2026

7:00 PM: Official opening at Kulturhof Flachsgasse by Mayor Prof. Dr. Alexander Schubert. Welcome address and speech for the 25th anniversary.

7:00 PM–1:00 AM: Opening of around 30 galleries, museums, churches, and cultural venues in Speyer's city center. Concerts (classical, jazz, pop), readings, exhibitions, performances, dance, special museum tours, and lectures.

Highlights: Historical Museum of the Palatinate with the Cathedral Treasury and Wittelsbach Treasury; Municipal Gallery with contemporary art; Speyer Art Association; Speyer Cathedral with a special program; Art exhibition 'A Lifetime of New Things' by Manuel Thomas.

1:00 AM: Official end of the Kult(o)urnacht 2026.

Highlights Kult(o)urnacht Speyer 2026

25th anniversary of Speyer's Culture Night since 2001. Around 30 galleries, museums, churches, and cultural venues participating. Opening at Kulturhof Flachsgasse by Mayor Prof. Dr. Schubert. Art exhibition 'A Lifetime of New Things' by Manuel Thomas. Six hours of culture in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Speyer.

Prices Kult(o)urnacht Speyer 2026

Admission fee applies. Combined ticket for all participating venues available from the City of Speyer and advance ticket outlets.

Practical information — Kult(o)urnacht Speyer

Date 2026: Friday, May 29, 2026 (25th Anniversary).
Time: 7:00 PM to 1:00 AM.
Opening: 7 PM at Kulturhof Flachsgasse by Mayor Prof. Dr. Alexander Schubert.
Locations: around 30 galleries, museums, churches, and cultural venues in Speyer's city center.
Tickets: Combined ticket available from the City of Speyer.
Organizer: City of Speyer – Cultural Office.

Getting there: Speyer is located on the Rhine, approx. 25 km southwest of Mannheim. By car via the A 61 and B 9. By train: Speyer Hauptbahnhof.
Parking: in the surrounding underground garages.
Tip: Walk from venue to venue – Speyer's city center is compact, and most locations are easily accessible on foot.

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Kult(o)urnacht Speyer at a glance

Music Jazz Classical Variety Visual arts Photography Contemporary art Sculpture Literature Heritage Night Multidisciplinary Kreisfreie Stadt Speyer