DesignMarch comes to life again with a bold and inspiring programme

As the days grow longer and spring begins to unfold, the city comes alive. Ideas pop up, conversations emerge, and new connections are formed between people, objects, and places. The programme for DesignMarch 2026 has now been released, and Reykjavík is once again preparing to transform into a vibrant platform for design and creativity from May 6–10.

This year’s festival theme is Connections — the invisible yet unbreakable bonds that link us all. In a world that is both hyper-connected and, at times, disconnected, the focus turns to what truly matters: the human need to connect.

More than 100 exhibitions and 150 events come together in a dynamic programme, bringing approximately 400 creative minds into dialogue.

The festival spreads across the entire city, turning Reykjavík into a landscape of discovery. Exhibitions and events take place throughout the city centre as well as at venues such as Reykjavík Art Museum, the Museum of Design and Applied Art, the Nordic House, Gróska, Elliðaár Power Station, Ásmundarsalur, the National Museum of Iceland, RAFNAR boat workshop, Hafnartorg, Gamla Bíó, and more. Visitors will also encounter design in unexpected locations, including Vesturbæjarlaug swimming pool, World Class Laugum, and the geothermal beach at Nauthólsvík. In addition, a curated programme will unfold across three restaurants in the city centre.

The festival opens with DesignTalks at Silfurberg in Harpa Concert Hall on May 6 from 9:00 to 17:00, where leading international and local speakers will ignite inspiration before the festival officially begins. The opening ceremony of DesignMarch will take place at Gamla Bíó on May 7 at 17:00, followed by exhibition openings and events throughout the city centre into the evening.

DesignMarch is an annual celebration of Icelandic design and architecture, where creative disciplines converge and new connections are formed. The programme spans everything from experimental projects and innovation to sustainability, craftsmanship traditions, and bold visions for the future.

The programme is open to all and offers something for everyone—whether you are a design professional or simply curious about how design shapes our world.

Explore the programme below and discover what resonates with you. Are you connecting?

See you at DesignMarch!