Steinach Sculptor Symposium
International sculptors' meeting in the historic courtyard of Steinach Castle — 20th edition 2026
About Sculptor Symposium Steinach
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Open-Air Sculptor Workshop
When the Steinach Castle courtyard becomes a sculptor workshop at the end of June, one of Southern Thuringia's special events begins. Five sculptors from Germany and abroad take their tools — chainsaw, chisel, hammer, mallet — and spend a week creating new sculptures from raw logs or stone blocks. Visitors can watch the process up close, talk to the artists, ask questions, and observe.
Steinach as a Cultural Hub
Steinach in the Sonneberg district is a small, traditional town on the southern edge of the Thuringian Slate Mountains. Over the years, the symposium has shaped the public spaces of the town with permanently installed sculptures — including life-size nativity figures based on Marolin models, which invite walkers on a small discovery tour through the town.
Program Centered Around Sculpture
In addition to the actual sculpting work, the symposium offers an accompanying program: an arts and crafts market in and around the castle courtyard, live music in the evenings, social gatherings, lectures, and studio talks. The opening ceremony traditionally takes place on the first day at 10 a.m. — the mayor of Steinach has secured a regular spot in the program over the years.
20th Anniversary in 2026
2026 marks the 20th edition of the symposium — an occasion for an expanded program and special exhibitions featuring works from previous years. The venue and concept remain unchanged: the castle courtyard, five sculptors at work, a meeting point between art, craft, and the local community.
Sculptor Symposium Steinach — edition 2026
Program June 29 – July 4, 2026
The 20th anniversary edition follows the proven format of previous years, supplemented by special exhibitions of works from 20 years of symposium history.
Schedule for the Week
- Mon 29.6. — Opening ceremony at 10 a.m. in the castle courtyard by the mayor; first sculpture work begins; arts and crafts market opens
- Tue 30.6. – Fri 3.7. — Daily work by the sculptors in the castle courtyard; studio talks; arts and crafts market; live music in the evenings
- Sat 4.7. — Final day: presentation of the finished works, festive handover to the town, evening celebration event
Accompanying Program for the 20th Anniversary
- Special exhibition with works from previous symposiums
- Guided sculpture city walk (“Steinach Sculpture Trail”)
- Expanded live music program for the anniversary
Programme Sculptor Symposium Steinach 2026
Highlights of the Week
- Mon 29.6. 10:00 — Official opening in the castle courtyard
- Tue–Fri — Sculptors work daily, visitors welcome
- Sat 4.7. — Presentation of the finished works, celebratory evening
- Daily — Arts and crafts market with regional vendors
- Evenings — Live music in the castle courtyard
Highlights Sculptor Symposium Steinach 2026
- 20th anniversary edition — special exhibition with works from 20 years
- Five sculptors work before an audience
- Steinach Castle courtyard as a historic backdrop
- Arts and crafts market and live music accompany the week
Prices Sculptor Symposium Steinach 2026
Free admission to the symposium and arts and crafts market. Some special events may have a fee.
Practical information — Sculptor Symposium Steinach
Getting There
Steinach is located in the Sonneberg district in southern Thuringia. By car via the A73 (exit Sonneberg-Nord), then B89. By train: Werra-Bahn to Sonneberg, then by bus.
Admission
Free admission to the symposium and arts and crafts market.
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Travel to this festival
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Where it takes place Sculptor Symposium Steinach
Schlosshof Steinach
Schlosshof, 96523 Steinach, 96523 Steinach