Kulturnacht 2026

Visitors to this year’s Culture Night can look forward to a special treat: two days of pure culture. On August 28 and 29, Osnabrück’s cultural scene will once again present a wide range of events lasting well into the night. Over 100 participants at more than 60 venues will once again invite visitors to linger and enjoy readings, exhibitions, concerts, hands-on activities, and performances. While various ensembles will perform concerts and provide entertainment on the market square starting at 5 p.m. on Friday, more than 20 outdoor venues throughout the city and beyond will offer a diverse program ranging from museum tours and live art to walking tours of the city. From Bramsche and Kalkriese in the north to Georgsmarienhütte in the south, visitors can take a shuttle from downtown to travel from one location to the next and discover many new things.

Saturday’s Culture Night focuses entirely on the Old Town, with the market square serving as the center, as always. This year, too, over 100 cultural practitioners, museums, cultural centers, churches, theaters, initiatives, and clubs at more than 60 locations will showcase the full breadth of Osnabrück’s cultural scene. The market square will become one of the central gathering places in downtown Osnabrück. Against the historic backdrop of City Hall, visitors can look forward to an atmospheric evening featuring music, light art, and special encounters. A 400-square-meter lawn will be laid out specifically for this event between City Hall, the Stadtwaage, St. Mary’s Church, and the City Library. Among other acts, Surplus Stock—featuring members of Cliff Barnes and the Fear of Winnings—will perform the “sustainability song” created especially for this year’s Culture Night. In keeping with the spirit of the current “kulturextras,” the performance will be powered by a pedal-powered system operated by visitors.

An impressive laser installation will transform the City Hall façade into a luminous work of art and, together with the varied stage program, create a special atmosphere in the heart of the Old Town. The program is complemented by a rich array of street culture as well as cultural offerings in the Museumsquartier, around the Lagerhalle, Heger Tor, Kunsthalle, and Hasekiez, between the cathedral and City Hall.

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Market Square Becomes a Green Oasis: Culture Night 2026 Under the Motto “nature. culture. future.”

For the 23rd edition of Osnabrück’s Culture Night on Friday, August 28, and Saturday, August 29, the market square in front of the historic City Hall will be transformed into a green oasis. A 350-square-meter green space invites visitors to relax amid music and culinary offerings while enjoying the special atmosphere of Culture Night.

In addition, museums, galleries, shops, the Osnabrück Theater, and numerous other cultural institutions will present art, literature, music, and many other program highlights. As always, admission is free.

“With more than 100 participants at more than 60 locations, Culture Night is the city’s largest cultural event of the year,” says Mayor Katharina Pötter. “Its diversity and atmosphere make it one of the most popular events of the year.”

As early as Friday, the market square will be all about music. Starting at 5 p.m., four orchestras from the Osnabrück School of Music and Art will present their final program, “BEGEGNUNG,” which was created as part of Wind Orchestra Week. Afterward, youth bands and big bands from the Osnabrück District Music School will take the stage. Between musical performances, the “Growth” project from Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences invites visitors to explore the relationship between Germans and their favorite farm animal—the pig.

In addition, various institutions throughout the city will open their doors and invite visitors to explore. To ensure that even more distant venues can be easily reached, a free shuttle bus service will operate on three fixed routes—two heading north and one heading south. The buses depart from the corner of Lortzingstraße and Domhof, across from Lieblingskaffee, and are provided by the Traditionsbus Osnabrück association.

For the first time, the service also extends beyond the city limits. Among other stops, the historic buses will travel to the Tuchmachermuseum in Bramsche, the Varus Battle Museum in Kalkriese, and the Museum Villa Stahmer in Georgsmarienhütte.

The German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU) is also located along the shuttle bus route. There, visitors can experience two exhibitions: The interactive exhibition “Mission AQUA” combines educational content on the topic of water with creative art. The program is complemented by the exhibition “Die Aquanautinnen” by Osnabrück-based artists Katrin Lazaruk, Regine Wolff, and Charlotte Dally. Other stops include the Museum of Industrial Culture and the Museum am Schölerberg.

On Saturday at 5:45 p.m., Mayor Katharina Pötter will welcome visitors to Culture Night on the market square. Following that, the band Surplus Stock will perform their sustainability song, composed specifically for Culture Night. The energy needed for the performance will be generated via a pedal-power system—directly through the muscle power of the visitors. Afterward, as part of the closing ceremony for the STADTRADELN event, dedicated individuals and teams will be honored for their efforts. Further musical entertainment on the market square will be provided by DJs Henosis and Arne Bense, before an organ concert at St. Marien Church at 11:30 p.m. brings the evening to an atmospheric close.

Another highlight on the market square this year is a laser installation that bathes the façade of the historic town hall in a special ambiance.

The artist collective G13 will also present a large-scale installation featuring photographs, sculptures, paintings, and video art on the Platz des Westfälischen Friedens. The work interprets the city’s 13 “Green Fingers” in its own unique way and combines them into a single, unified sculptural installation.

With the project “Ein Stück Holz” (A Piece of Wood), artist Volker-Johannes Trieb is featured both in the Cathedral Courtyard and on the Market Square. In the Cathedral Courtyard, visitors will see a four-metric-ton oak trunk with an integrated container, as well as forest and natural vegetation. On Saturday evening, the installation will be brought to life through a sound and light performance by Leo Haarmann. At 9 p.m., the “First Orchestra of Silence” will take place there in collaboration with the Ursulaschule Osnabrück. Visitors are invited to become part of the performance themselves using collected branches and so-called “branch violins.”

On the market square, a hollowed-out poplar trunk will create a special retreat. The hollowed-out trunk offers a space for rest and meditation and invites visitors to experience Culture Night from a completely new perspective for a moment.

At Fritz-Wolf-Platz, the City Library’s Open Stage offers a diverse program of live performances. In twelve-minute sets, The Lake and The Wolf, CEDI, Thomas Voßberg, Anna Banana, Aki Böttcher, Yuna Sora, and Sarah Bernhard will present music, dance, slam poetry, and comedy. Afterward, the stage belongs to all visitors: during an open karaoke session, anyone can grab the microphone.

Also on Fritz-Wolf-Platz, a “Future Zone” will be set up where organizations and schools will present their projects and invite visitors to participate. Among others, “OMAS GEGEN RECHTS” will be there, working with visitors to create prints on old Tetra Paks.

The Association of Visual Artists (BBK) is presenting the exhibition “UNTER UNS” by Sebastian Osterhaus and Regine Wolff in the Kunstquartier. Both artists will personally guide visitors through the exhibition and surprise them with an animal-themed interactive activity.

The FOKUS e. V. association is also offering a varied street culture program, which will enliven the Old Town area with various artistic activities.

PROGRAM

Friday, August 28

● ENCOUNTER_MUSIC

FROM THE CITY AND COUNTY

MARKET SQUARE STAGE

Music schools from the city and county invite you to a varied concert evening full of musical encounters. Young talents and experienced ensembles will present a diverse program, showcasing the wide range of regional music school activities.

“BEGEGNUNG” Wind Orchestra Week

Four orchestras from the School of Music and Art will kick off the event with their final program, “ENCOUNTER,” which was developed as part of Wind Orchestra Week. The annual Osnabrück Wind Orchestra Week offers young musicians the opportunity to make music together in different orchestras and to develop a varied concert program within just a few days.

➥ 5:00 p.m.

District Music School

The District Music School will present two up-and-coming bands under the title “Band Basics.”

➥ 6:45 p.m.

“Konsession” Big Band

With its multifaceted repertoire, rousing grooves, and sonic diversity, the “Konsession” Big Band will provide an atmospheric finale to the concert evening.

➥ 8:30 p.m.

● PROJECT GROWTH AT OSNABRÜCK UNIVERSITY

MARKTPLATZ LAWN

Pigs!

A Pink Encounter

Blending street theater, educational outreach, and impromptu debate, the GROWTH Project—“A Stage for Change”—explores our relationship with Germany’s favorite farm animal.

➥ 6:15 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.

● CATHEDRAL FORECOURT

DOMPLATZ

A Piece of Wood A four-metric-ton oak log with an integrated container and forest and native vegetation will be installed on the cathedral forecourt. On Saturday, a sound and light installation by Leo Haarmann will create an atmospheric experience around the sculpture by artist Volker-Johannes Trieb.

➥ 5–10 p.m.

● ATELIER 27

KLOSTERSTRASSE 27

Mapping. Nature. Culture. Future.

Atelier 27, featuring Mario Haunhorst and Jens Standke, presents a video mapping project exploring industrial culture and transformation. Visual worlds overlay the architecture, draw on the site’s history, and intertwine with Haunhorst’s project “Drahtzieher” and Standke’s “afterlife SymmeTree.” Accompanied by pulsating tech house music.

➥ 5:00 PM–12:00 AM; video mapping: 9:00 PM

● ARTIST COLLECTIVE G13

SENATOR-WAGNER-WEG

A “Green Finger” Sculpture

“G13”—13 artists from Osnabrück are collaborating to create a large-scale installation in which each of the city’s 13 “Green Fingers” is interpreted individually while simultaneously being brought together in a single sculptural work.

The artistic forms of expression range from photography to sculpture and painting to video installation.

The sculpture will also be on display on Saturday at the Westphalian Peace Square.

➥ 5:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m.

● SCULPTURE TRAIL

BÜRGERPARK, SENATORWAGNER-WEG, ENTRANCE AT THE BOOKSHELF

7th Midnight Exhibition

A 2,500 m² garden area will be transformed into an open-air exhibition featuring sculptures and paintings by various artists. The Sculpture Trail stands out this night thanks to its special lighting. Far from the hustle and bustle of the city, this location offers the chance to find peace and reconnect with yourself. Drinks, canapés, and a bonfire will be available. Also on Saturday!

➥ 6 p.m.–2 a.m.

● TRUDE INVITES YOU

GERTRUDENRING 9A

Concert evening with un.written

“Like espresso and chocolate in the sunshine.” Like a blank page, every note becomes a new, vibrant story. With delicate sensitivity, Christina Goldach, Anna Schulte, and Debbie Willcock alternate between rousing grooves and soulful ballads. A musical treat blending creativity and authenticity.

➥ Doors open: 6:30 p.m.

1st set: 7:00 PM / 2nd set: 8:15 PM

● DBU – GERMAN FEDERAL ENVIRONMENTAL FOUNDATION

AN DER BORNAU 2

Art Meets Water Science – One Element, Two Exhibitions How does water influence our lives—and how does it inspire art? The interactive exhibition “Mission AQUA” combines water science with a creative perspective. Osnabrück-based artists Katrin Lazaruk, Regine Wolff, and Charlotte Dally present their works under the title “The Aquanauts” and invite visitors to engage and participate.

➥ 5:00–10:00 p.m.

● STUDIO FRITZKO

LOTTER STRASSE 28

Cassettes, Scribbles & Boom With her sure hand for subtle color combinations, Franzi Fritz transforms Katrin Lazaruk’s powerful cassette tape artworks and Katha Stöber’s whimsical, quirky drawings into colorful risographs. Prints are produced in small, lovingly crafted editions—eco-friendly and in vibrant, rice-bran-based colors.

➥ 5:00 PM–11:00 PM

● HECKENKUNST

AT THE GREEN FINGER

RICHARD-WAGNER-STRASSE, LIENESCHWEG, CORNELIUSWEG

In the summer of 2026, artist Eva Dankenbring created a participatory nature art project in, on, above, and below the shared outdoor hedge of an allotment garden complex. Over the course of several weeks, many people helped shape a large section of the hedge. This “art hedge” can be walked around for 24 hours during Culture Night, even at night by the light of streetlamps.

➥ 5:00 PM–11:00 PM

● OSNABRÜCK SCHOOL MUSEUM

ARNDTPLATZ 1

Spanning five rooms, the School Museum displays a wide variety of exhibits—some of them unique—from more than 150 years of school history. Experienced educators will provide information about schooling during the Imperial and Nazi eras as well as after 1945, showcase a variety of historical teaching materials, and demonstrate a lesson in a classroom just as it would have been 100 years ago.

➥ 6:00–10:00 p.m.

● KAFF E.V.

AM SPEICHER 3A, HAFEN

Poetry Is Rebellion

“Poetry Is Rebellion” builds on the reading from the last Culture Night, “Poetry Is Resistance.” Through poems and reflections, they champion hope and peace, dreams and contemplation in a democratic future. Reading: Annette Rümmele and Reinhard Hötten; Hang Drum: Stefan Rümmele

➥ 6:00–7:30 p.m.

● MIK – MUSEUM OF INDUSTRIAL CULTURE OSNABRÜCK

FÜRSTENAUER WEG 171

What does the ideal city of the future look like?

The exhibitions “Building the Future” and “A Bold City, Bold Decisions—How Groningen Transformed Itself into a Model City” explore this question. Visitors can come together in the Haseschacht building to create a shared vision for their “Dream Osnabrück” of the future. A relaxed evening at the museum with music in the beer garden and creative activities such as felting and pot printing.

➥ Starting at 6 p.m.

● LEGA S JUGENDHILFE, NACKTE MÜHLE

ÖSTRINGER WEG 18

Art, naturally—naturally, art

Nackte Mühle. Hydropower in the Green Finger. Experiencing nature. Mushrooms. Herbs. Art in the Art Lab. Artists from Lega S Jugendhilfe explain the concept, show their art space, display pictures from the children’s painting group, and present their own works.

Live music with the Fats Meyer Acoustic Trio; wine, beer, and snacks.

➥ 5:00 PM–11:00 PM

Green Traces – Reverse

Graffiti by Nikola Dicke

The “Reverse” graffiti created as part of the Kulturextras project can be seen on the grounds of the Nackte Mühle. The artist will be on site with her graffiti van and, together with visitors, will mark the buildings on the grounds with even more ephemeral light drawings.

➥ 5:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m.

● VARUS BATTLE MUSEUM KALKRIESE

VENNER STRASSE 69, 49565 BRAMSCHE

In the Footsteps of Romans and Germanic Tribes

The museum invites you to explore! The permanent exhibition on the Battle of Varus and the new special exhibition “Lost Warriors—The Germanic Peoples Between Power and Myth” are open to the public. Short guided tours are available for both exhibitions.

➥ 5:00 PM–11:00 PM

● BRAMSCHE TEXTILE MUSEUM

MÜHLENORT 6, 49565 BRAMSCHE

Machine Tour at the Museum

Wool flakes fly through the air. 280 spindles spin on the spinning machine. On the looms, the shuttles whiz back and forth noisily. The air smells of machine oil and wool grease. Be there live as raw sheep’s wool is transformed into fluffy wool blankets—made on machines over 100 years old.

➥ 5:00–10:00 p.m.

● ST. JOHANN PARISH, JOHANNISQUARTIER

Lights, sounds, the magic of blossoms.

Music and culture in and around St. Johann

Right in the heart of the Johannisquartier, a colorful program awaits for you to listen to, participate in, and enjoy: the Johannis.Licht.Bilder featuring summery motifs on the church façade, musical performances by artists from the municipal music and art school, and an organ tour including a concert. Look forward to an atmospheric, creative evening full of highlights in front of and inside St. Johann, as well as in the cloister!

➥ Starting at 7:30 p.m., projection from 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

● OSNABRÜCK CITY AND COUNTY ARCHAEOLOGY DEPARTMENT

NEUMARKT 2

Archaeological city walk through the Johannisquartier. Meeting point: Entrance to the Regional Court, Neumarkt 2

➥ 6:00–7:30 p.m.

● KULTUR FLECK SEMINARSTRASSE

SEMINARSTRASSE 2

figures of speech

Culture Night Special – The final day of the exhibition “figures of speech – Generations in Dialogue,” featuring works by Alexej Eisner, Aron Rahe, Zana Vojodic, and Werner Kavermann at Alexej Eisner’s new Kulturfleck Seminarstraße. The focus is on abstract-figurative painting as a cross-generational form of expression in Osnabrück.

➥ 6:00 p.m.–10:30 p.m.

● MUSEUM AM SCHÖLERBERG

KLAUS-STRICK-WEG 10

Long Night at the Schölerberg

The museum invites you to explore the building, including the permanent exhibition, the special exhibition “Germany’s Mineral Resources,” and the planetarium. Guided tours, hands-on activities, insights into museum operations, and shows to introduce visitors to the planetarium will be offered.

Refreshments will be available.

➥ 5:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m.

● MUSEUM VILLA STAHMER

CARL-STAHMER-WEG 13, 49124 GEORGSMARIENHÜTTE

Four short guided tours, each lasting 15 minutes, will shed light on the exciting history of a town that bears the name of real royalty. History is fascinating. The history of Georgsmarienhütte certainly is—after all, industrialization unfolded here in the 19th century as if under a magnifying glass. Overnight, an ironworks sprang up in the Dütetal valley, bringing 2,000 migrant workers. The consequences are still felt today.

➥ Open starting at 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, August 29

● STAGE AT THE MARKET

5:45 p.m. Opening remarks by Mayor Katharina Pötter

6:10 p.m. Surplus Stock – Sustainability Song

6:30 p.m. City Cycling Awards Ceremony

7:00 PM Surplus Stock – sustainability song

7:30 p.m. DJ Henosis & Support

9:00 PM Surplus Stock – Sustainability Song

9:30 p.m. DJ Arne Bense

● OSNABRÜCK CITY HALL

MARKT 30

On Saturday, August 29, City Hall will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Osnabrück City Actors

Dramatic Reenactments of Historic Osnabrück It has almost become a tradition for the Osnabrück City Players to reenact the historic handshake marking the Peace of Westphalia in the Peace Hall of City Hall during Culture Night.

This year, a new scene will be presented featuring Sophie von der Pfalz, who designed the first Baroque garden for Osnabrück Castle.

➥ 6:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., Friedenssaal

● PROJECT OFFICE INFORMATION BOOTH

Here, visitors can obtain information about Culture Night, as well as events, initiatives, and activities organized by the City of Osnabrück’s Department of Culture.

● UNIVERSITY OF OSNABRÜCK

“Hidden PeaTential – We Need Pea Counters Here”

An interactive citizen science initiative that presents scientific content on the topic of proteins to the public in an accessible and dialogue-oriented way, actively engaging visitors.

●ERICH MARIA REMARQUE PEACE CENTER

MARKT 7

Special exhibition marking the 30th anniversary of the Erich Maria Remarque Peace Center and permanent exhibition.

●OSNABRÜCK ALLIANCE AGAINST DEPRESSION

CITY GALLERY CAFÉ, MARKT 13

NOT QUITE (POETIC)

Poetry and songs from the “WG Schwermut” with Marie-Luise Gunst, singer-songwriter, someone living with depression, and ambassador for the German Depression League (Deutsche Depressionsliga e.V.).

In this multifaceted concert-reading, the inner worlds of depression become tangible—thoughts that otherwise often remain hidden. Anyone who fears too much melancholy will be disarmed by the lightheartedness and down-to-earth charm.

➥ Starting at 7:00 p.m., every hour on the hour

● MIK – MUSEUM OF INDUSTRIAL CULTURE OSNABRÜCK

BIERSTRASSE, CITY HALL

The MIK-Mobil at City Hall offers information and activities related to the MIK and the current special exhibition “Building the Future: How Do We Want to Live and Dwell?”

➥ 6:00–10:00 p.m.

● THE BATTLE OF VARUS IN THE OSNABRÜCK REGION

TOWN HALL OPPOSITE THE TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICE

In the Footsteps of Varus and Co.

Visitors will gain insights into the daily lives of the Romans and Germanic peoples 2,000 years ago. Families and children can try on the gear of a Roman legionary and play Roman games.

● ARTIST GROUP G13

WESTFALIAN PEACE SQUARE

“G13”—13 artists from Osnabrück are collaborating to create a large-scale installation in which the city’s 13 “green fingers” are each interpreted individually while simultaneously being brought together in a collective sculptural work. The artistic forms of expression range from photography to sculpture and painting to video installation.

● CITY LIBRARY

OSNABRÜCK, FRITZ-WOLF-PLATZ

Open Stage & Karaoke

An open stage: Whether it’s music, readings, dance, slam poetry, painting, or comedy—here, artists get 12 minutes to present their work to an open-minded audience. After performances by various artists, the stage opens up for karaoke for everyone.

The Lake and The Wolf’s music ranges from modern indie-folk to classic singer-songwriter styles. CEDI produces handcrafted songs somewhere between CRO and New Wave, with a soft spot for kitschy synthesizers. Thomas Voßberg brings clowning to life—without a single word. Anna Banana is an American living in Germany who sings her own songs in Japanese. Aki Böttcher is a thoughtful, dreamy spirit who shares clear, stirring poetry. Marie Fröhlich writes fantasy novels under the pseudonym Yuna Sora, generally following the motto: the more complex and crazy, the better. Sarah Bernhard has been writing stories, poems, and essays about human relationships, everyday life, and adventure since childhood.

➥ Starting at 7 p.m.

● FUTURE ZONE

FRITZ-WOLF-PLATZ

Fritz-Wolf-Platz will feature a diverse program with numerous information, activity, and hands-on booths centered around the themes “nature. culture. future.” Committed schools, the “OMAS GEGENRECHTS” initiative printing on Tetra Paks, and other clubs, initiatives, and organizations invite you to engage in conversation, discover new perspectives, and get involved yourself.

● ST. MARIEN

MARKT 28

At this year’s Culture Night, organ music at St. Marien will provide the festive finale. Director of Church Music Carsten Zündorf will perform a 30-minute program of festive works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Felix Mendelssohn Barthold, and William Lloyd Webber.

➥ 11:30 p.m.

● KUNSTHALLE OSNABRÜCK

HASEMAUER 1

“View Through the Windowpane”

What kind of space lies behind the curtain? A window to look through? Who lives there? Is it a living marshmallow? Or a pillow flying around that got lost during the last pillow fight? In this workshop, we’ll work together to create various views through the windowpane. You can also give them as gifts or send them by mail.

● SCULPTURE GALLERY

BIERSTRASSE 2

Exhibition: Trace Elements

The exhibition explores areas of coexistence between people, the city, nature, and materials. In their works, Sandra Rolf, Lea Schwarzwald, and Johanna Kempe examine material relationships, shared spaces, and the interplay between interior and exterior. The materials used in the mirror, sand, and sound installations appeal to different senses and invite visitors to explore them.

● STEINWERKSHOF & DAS WEIN CABINET

BIERSTRASSE 7

Art and Music at the Steinwerkshof

The Steinwerkshof is immersed in an atmospheric ambiance. Bernd Obernüfemann, Gabriele Teckemeier, Nils Westmeyer, Anna Schulte, and Anette Rega are exhibiting in the courtyard and in the studios.

“Das Wein Cabinet,” run by Jean-François Pelletier and his partners, offers delights for the palate and a feast for the ears.

● ALTSTÄDTER BÜCHERSTUBEN

BEER STREET 37

Words that wander through the shelves: Poetry by Svenja Niepel at the Altstädter Bücherstuben.

➥ Starting at 7 p.m., every hour

● BBK OSNABRÜCK

BIERSTRASSE 33

ANIMALS AND US

The KunstQuartier presents the exhibition UNTER UNS by Sebastian Osterhaus and Regine Wolff. The two artists share a passion for depictions of animals. The artists will be present, guiding guests through their exhibition and surprising them with an interactive animal-themed activity.

● HOMEGROWN BY HENNING HEIGL

ENTRANCE AT BIERSTRASSE 33

The artist is showcasing his series of images on the exhibition theme “homegrown.”

● OSNABRÜCK STORYTELLING THEATER

GROSSE GILDEWART 35

The Fairy Tale Window

The Osnabrück Story Theater opens its doors to stories and fairy tales from all over the world. They tell of the earth, the sky, and everything in between, weaving a silky thread from heart to heart.

➥ Starting at 7 p.m.

● KAOS E.V. CULTURE FOR ALL OSNABRÜCK

KLEINE GILDEWART 11, HOTEL WALHALLA

Conversation(s) with the mayoral candidates

How important is culture to you? Do you sing in the shower? What’s your favorite cultural activity?

In a panel discussion, we’ll learn important things about the mayoral candidates running for office on September 13. The association “Kultur für Alle Osnabrück” invites you to the Hotel Walhalla (Conference Rooms I+II).

➥ 7:30 p.m.

● KAOS E.V. CULTURE FOR ALL OSNABRÜCK

GROSSE GILDEWART 35

Art at KAOS

The office is hosting “Art at KAOS” with exhibits from the Kunsthalle OS art library.

➥ 7:30 p.m.

● HAUS DER JUGEND

GROSSE GILDEWART 6–9

Music in the Courtyard

Great music, a cold drink in hand, a cozy atmosphere under the open sky—the Musikbüro Osnabrück invites you to linger and enjoy relaxed music on stage.

WINEGLASS BAYBZ

Three young women and one young man will captivate their audience with beautiful songs in a percussive singer-songwriter style.

➥ 7:00–7:45 p.m.

THE KOGS

This acoustic folk-rock duo plays atmospheric rock with intense passion.

➥ 8:15–9:00 p.m.

JOEY

With warm guitar tones and harmonized vocals, JOEY captures the essence of German acoustic pop with emotional depth.

➥ 9:30–10:15 p.m.

Musical in the Main Hall

In the Great Hall, the amateur musical project MAP will present excerpts from its current musical “Come From Away – Die von woanders,” which premieres in September at the Haus der Jugend.

➥ 7:00, 8:00, and 9:00 p.m.

● FOCUS

VORDEMBERGEGILDEWART-PLATZ

DJ Lounge

Amid all the hustle and bustle of Culture Night, FOKUS offers a relaxed lounge atmosphere for chilling out, unwinding, and getting together.

● BETTER FEELING

GROSSE GILDEWART 10

Exhibition by Marion Hollenberg with a champagne reception.

● VORDEMBERGE GILDEWART HOUSE

GROSSE GILDEWART 7

Collection presentation: “Vordemberge-Gildewart and Contemporary Concrete Art”

In this presentation of its collection, the Sievert Foundation for Science and Culture showcases works by the artist Friedrich Vordemberge-Gildewart (VG)—after whom the VG House is named—as well as works by other concrete artists.

● STUDIO IN THE ALTENWERKSTATT

LOHSTRASSE 53-55

Stefan Krug

In addition to paintings and photographic art, the artist also exhibits computer-edited photographs of nature, animals, and structures, and invites the audience to participate.

Alois Thomas

The sun as a symbol of life, hope, inspiration, joy, and memory.

Aline Soldan

Deep insights into nature; nature gazes deeply. The artist explores the uniqueness and fragility of our special essence—our self. The core of the self is always there, yet can easily be overlooked; in the artist’s drawings and sculptures, the strength and radiance of the delicate and hidden are recurring themes.

Danylo Gertsev

His work focuses on urban sketching and landscapes, created both en plein air and in the studio. At the center of his work is light—as a fleeting, form-giving element. With a keen sense of place and moment, he seeks to reveal a quiet magic even in simple, everyday subjects.

Sybille Hermanns

Pure painting and intense color characterize the works she presents in her studio. Her art is a play of light, vibration, and inner movement that permeates the space and creates resonance. Every surface breathes; every composition unfolds its own tangible timbre.

● OS|RADIO 104.8 E.V.

LOHSTRASSE 45A

A look behind the scenes at the os|radio 104.8 studios

Visitors can experience a real live broadcast up close; there are interesting studio tours, and you can submit your own music requests.

➥ 6:00–10:00 p.m.

● FIRST UNORDERLY ROOM THEATER

LOHSTRASSE 45A

The Colors of the Angels

Three angels meet in an old chapel and observe people with their desires, fears, impulses, and shortcomings. Excerpt from the program “The Performative Rift—Poetry and Prose from Osnabrück Meets the Stage” by theater artists Sonja Damaschke and Nils Stickan, with support from the City of Osnabrück’s Department of Culture and the Literature Office of West Lower Saxony.

➥ 6:00–9:00 p.m., hourly

A Concentrated Night of Theater and Culture

Das Erste unordentliche Zimmertheater, along with Osnabrück’s oldest improv groups, “Improvisorium” and “Improteus,” will transport you four times into the surprising, funny, and enchanting world of improvisational theater. Every performance is different and exciting. Audience members can join in or simply relax and enjoy the show. Live music accompanies each scene with emotion, suspense, and good cheer.

➥ 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m., and 9:30 p.m.

● LAGERHALLE OSNABRÜCK

ROLANDSMAUER 26

Exhibition Opening: In the Yellow Time – Melpomenian Images

The secret to the Melpomene group’s long-standing existence (since 1994) surely lies in its focus on this single common denominator—skillfully and intricately executed figurative painting. Added to this is their shared intention to critically reflect on current conditions through artistic means.

➥ 5:30 p.m., Gallery

Meike Köster & Helge Adam

“Wieder Laut” – a blend of Americana, acoustic rock, and German-language singer-songwriter pop.

➥ 6:00 p.m., beer garden 7:15 p.m., hall

Young Sounds of the Morgenland

A concert featuring alumni of the Morgenland Academy.

➥ 6:45 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., Foyer

Woodhaus

Cheesy ’80s sounds meet catchy singer-songwriter soul. Woodhaus writes songs that carry you through the day. His musical universe spans the sounds of the ’70s and ’80s all the way to modern synth-pop. Rousing feel-good music with a dash of emotion.

➥ 8:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., beer garden

Echoes of a Dreamer

The trio of Tabeah, Liran, and Kehat is united by a shared passion for allowing the music of the unknown to reveal itself in the moment—born of presence, honesty, and connection.

➥ 9:00 PM, Main Hall

Drum Club Meets Culture Night on Vinyl

The Culture Night Party

➥ 11:00 p.m., Main Hall

● KULTURHAUS

MARIENSTRASSE 5/6

Reinhard Klink

Printing event for Osnabrück’s Culture Night 2026. In front of the Kulturhaus, Reinhard Klink will print an etching on the theme “nature. culture. future.” (100 Years of the Green Fingers) and cordially invites all guests to watch him print.

➥ Starting at 12:00 p.m.

Kunst S:nack—the mobile art kiosk

Kunst S:nack is known as a down-to-earth resource for quickly satisfying your artistic needs. With a little chit-chat and entertaining product advice, artist Marion Tischler will present her product lineup.

● MARIJING MASSAGES

MARIENSTRASSE 7

Wellness & Health in Filipino Culture

Maria Malaca, the current active world champion as recognized by the World Federation of Massage Techniques and Health, presents her Filipino culture.

● LICHTENBERG PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO SINCE 1891

MARIENSTRASSE 11

Large-Format Photos of Old Osnabrück

Hagen Hoestermann, Certified Photographer, Master Photographer and graduate of the Higher Graphic Teaching and Research Institute in Vienna, honored for outstanding achievements, will present impressive large-format photos this evening in the 90 × 125 cm format, high-quality laminated on Alucobond and finished with a UV-protective film.

● EIDT GRAPHIC STUDIO

HEGER STRASSE 16

In his studio, the artist will present his latest works in hand screen printing, lithography, and collage, as well as new songs he has written himself.

● PERAL WINE MERCHANT

DIELINGERSTRASSE 9

human habitat

The musicians from HüPoTon will perform live in the passageway next to the store, offering their very special interpretations of extraordinary songs.

On the sidewalk in front of the store, artist August will set up large-format canvases in which he explores the cultural landscape of the “Grüne Finger.”

➥ 7:00 PM–11:00 PM

● EXIL E.V.

CAFE FELKA | HEGER-TOR-WALL 27

Wine & Beats

The garden of Café Felka transforms into a setting for wine lovers and music enthusiasts: The DJ duo “Max & Henk” will present a diverse repertoire of house, lounge, and chill-out music, skillfully setting the scene in the museum garden and the villa with light installations. Carefully curated wines, served for a good cause, will delight your palate.

➥ 6:00 PM–11:00 PM

● MUSEUMSQUARTIER

OSNABRÜCKLOTTER STRASSE 2

Open Museum

On display are the Felix Nussbaum Collection, the history of the city of Osnabrück, the special exhibition “Van den Yoden,” Michaela Melián’s “Osnabrück Songs: Rosi Ève Hélène,” and the Villa “Forum for Remembrance Culture and Contemporary History.”

The Bucksturm is also open to visitors.

● NDR STUDIO OSNABRÜCK

ROLANDSMAUER 15

Guided tours of the NDR studio in Osnabrück

The NDR Studio provides coverage from the Emsland, the County of Bentheim, the Osnabrück region, and the Dümmer region for various NDR and ARD programs. Content is produced for online platforms, radio, television, and social media. Our editors will guide you through the new newsrooms.

➥ 6:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m.

● DOMVORPLATZ

DOMHOF

“A Piece of Wood”—Where the Forest Continues to Breathe

The installation by artist Volker-Johannes Trieb consists of an oak log weighing approximately four metric tons, lying on the ground. At its center is a container filled with forest and native plants.

The sculpture is complemented by a sound and light installation by Leo Haarmann, which brings the log to life both acoustically and atmospherically.

The “First Orchestra of Silence” Invites You to Participate

A participatory art project by artist Volker Johannes Trieb in collaboration with the Ursulaschule Osnabrück.

Inspired by a legend about Francis of Assisi, who, according to the legend, made “music” with two branches and brought people together, everyone is invited to make music together: Using collected branches and pieces of wood, quiet sounds are created on the “branch violins.” This is how the “First Orchestra of Silence” takes shape—a shared moment of connection with oneself, with one another, and with nature on Domplatz.

➥ 9:00–9:20 p.m.

● BOOK FAIR BY “SOZIALE DIENSTE SKM GGMBH”

DOMHOF

Book market on the Domhof. Proceeds generated through volunteer work will benefit projects supporting the homeless.

➥ 10 a.m.–10 p.m.

● ST. PETER’S CATHEDRAL

DOMHOF

Guided tour of the cathedral

Meeting place: inside the cathedral, under the organ loft.

➥ 6:30–7:00 p.m., 7:00–7:30 p.m., 8:30–9:00 p.m.

Guided tour of the sacristy

The natural fabrics used in liturgical vestments. With: Cathedral Sexton Ansgar Stuckenberg. Meeting point: in front of the sacristy.

➥ 7:00–7:30 p.m.

To the Stars – Film Music from “Interstellar” and “Star Wars”

The cathedral organ in a whole new light: Osnabrück’s largest musical instrument takes flight and embarks on a journey of discovery into the world of film music. Come aboard and experience adaptations for organ of works by film music legends Hans Zimmer and John Williams. Organ meets Hollywood! With Cathedral Organist Balthasar Baumgartner.

➥ 7:30–8:15 p.m.

Sacred Choral Music

Choral music with the Osnabrück Youth Choir. Conductor: Clemens Breitschaft.

➥ 9:00–9:30 p.m.

Compline

Night prayer in the cathedral by candlelight with Canon Thilo Wilhelm and Deacon Carsten Lehmann. Meet at the cathedral.

➥ 10:00 p.m.

● OSNABRÜCK DIOCESAN ARCHIVES

GROSSE DOMSFREIHEIT 10

Public Guided Tour – “Nature in the Archives?”

Dark storage rooms and dusty files—archives are often perceived as places far removed from nature. Come see plants, animals, and more in archival materials spanning twelve centuries!

➥ 9:00 p.m.

● SMALL CHURCH

GROSSE DOMSFREIHEIT 6

For the Beauty of the Earth

Choral music spanning several centuries. Featuring: Johannes-Chor Rulle. Conductor: Martin Tigges.

➥ 8:15–9:00 p.m.

● CATHEDRAL TREASURY & DIOCESAN MUSEUM

DOMHOF 12

The permanent exhibition showcases the cathedral treasury with its history spanning over 1,000 years.

➥ 10 a.m.–midnight

Public Guided Tours

Guided tour of the Cathedral Treasury and the Diocesan Museum.

➥ 6:00–6:30 p.m., 7:30–8:00 p.m., 8:00–8:30 p.m.

Culture Club! – Lounge and more for Culture Night

The Forum am Dom invites you to enjoy wine, lounge music, and more—as always, in style. Christoph Meiners (piano) & Thorsten Wiggers (guitar) will treat guests to a groovy lounge program under the theme “Culture Club!”

➥ 6:30–8:30 p.m.

Guided Tour: Nature – Culture – Future. The Canons’ Cemetery and Its Graves.

With: Dr. Hermann Queckenstedt Meeting point: Cloister of the Cathedral, Cathedral Canons’ Cemetery

➥ 8:30–9:00 p.m.

● URSULASCHULE HIGH SCHOOL, OSNABRÜCK

KLEINE DOMSFREIHEIT 11–18

Check it out!

Exhibition opening in the school gallery

The Art Department of Ursulaschule High School presents its annual exhibition in the school gallery. Artwork from all grade levels will be showcased over a glass of sparkling wine or juice, accompanied by music.

An introductory workshop will be offered for artists of all ages.

➥ 6:00–10:00 p.m.

● THEATER OSNABRÜCK

DOMHOF 10/11

Theater Festival

Exciting behind-the-scenes glimpses, an exclusive stage program, and numerous activities for the whole family. Highlights include the rehearsal stage, the orchestra studio, and the dance studio. From workshops and hands-on activities to a technical showcase, there’s plenty to discover.

The Theater Beach also invites you to linger.

➥ 2:00–10:00 p.m., at 7:00, 8:00, and 9:00 p.m.: Mini-Gala

● THEATER BEACH

2:30 p.m., approx. 30 min., Children’s Concert “The Volcanic Island,” ages 3 and up

4:00 p.m., approx. 15 min., City Ensemble students present a scene excerpt, ages 13 and up

4:30 p.m., approx. 1 hour, Vibrations: Afro Dance Performance & Workshop

6:00 PM, approx. 1 hour, Happy Feed: Afro dance workshop

7:30 p.m., approx. 90 minutes, Harambee Live – Band/Concert

● KUNSTHANDLUNG HÜLSMEIER

KRAHNSTRASSE 49

Christo and Jeanne-Claude: Projects on Water and Land

Many of Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s projects explore the interplay between water, land, and the environment. In the 1960s, the artist couple wrapped a piece of nature for the first time. Since then, the theme has become an integral part of their art. During Culture Night, Kunsthandlung Hülsmeier will exhibit works by the two artists that focus on this theme.

● MANFRED BLIEFFERT AND THE PRINTING BICYCLE

HÖHE KRAHNSTRASSE 5

As they do every year, Manfred Blieffert will print one of his posters together with Culture Night visitors. Everyone becomes a co-creator and can take home their self-printed sheets once they’ve dried. For children, teens, and adults. Hands-on!

● WEIN FOHS

KRAHNSTRASSE 7

Celebrate wine!

Everything about wine as a cultural treasure.

● EDELKREIS SECOND-HAND CONCEPT STORE | DIAKONIE OS

HASESTRASS 39–40

Fashion Show

Volunteers present the latest fall/winter fashion.

● ATELIER MYL

GROSSE DOMSFREIHEIT 16A

A Glimpse into the Present

EVERYDAY SCULPTURES—between art and design.

Is that Myl—or can it go?

● PHYLLIS & FELLAS

HASESTRASS 42

ROOTS Exhibition

Nature is the origin, inspiration, and foundation of life. The “ROOTS” exhibition invites visitors to discover the beauty, power, and fragility of our Earth from a new perspective. The works on display tell stories of forests, plants, landscapes, and the four elements.

● FUNDAMENT

SCHALLPLATTEN

HASESTRASSE 43

“Der Termin – Conversations at Fundament” brings Osnabrück’s cultural scene together: At the record store Fundament, music, film, and art meet a curious audience. In relaxed talks with local figures, the focus is on background stories, perspectives, and genuine insights into subculture and creative work—open, approachable, and straight from the scene.

➥ 8:00 p.m.

● BOB SALON

HASESTRASSE 44

On the Move in the Now

The photo exhibition “On the Move in the Now” by Osnabrück-based artist Renate Köllner invites viewers to see urban life from a new perspective. Clear urban spaces and bold colors meet people who appear only fleetingly—as movement or as anonymous silhouettes. The photographs capture moments that would otherwise pass by unnoticed.

● KUNSTRAUM HASE 29 – SOCIETY FOR CONTEMPORARY ART E.V.

HASESTRASSE 29/30

vanished – “bittersweet”

To mark its 10th edition, the vanished collective invites you to a special exhibition. In “bittersweet,” eight artists from the last nine exhibitions—each with a guest exhibition at Kunstraum hase29—focus on aesthetic perceptions across various artistic disciplines. Dialogue is encouraged.

● SHOCK RECORDS AND COFFEE

HASESTRASSE 66

“POP” – On the Necessity of Capitalizing on Culture

Sascha Göpel presents “POP,” an exhibition on a capitalist scale—printmaking meets music. Walking a fine line between plagiarism and a cover version, created to please, designed to obey the algorithm. Everything is pastiche, everything is Etsy, everything is copyable.

➥ 6–10 p.m.

● FOCUS: STREET CULTURE PROGRAM

OLD TOWN

In the streets and squares of the Old Town, guests can look forward to an exciting street culture program featuring musical and artistic walk acts, presented by FOKUS e.V. Exploring the Culture Night becomes an adventure filled with surprises, including visual artistic interventions and the unexpected discovery of spontaneous musical spaces.

● LITERATURBÜRO WESTNIEDERSACHSEN AND THE GERMAN FOUNDATION FOR PEACE RESEARCH

AM LEDENHOF 3–5

Nature and Culture at the Ledenhof

The historic Ledenhof can be explored on guided tours. In addition, in keeping with the “nature. culture. future.” cultural special, literary texts about nature will be read aloud: poems, prose, and essays ranging from the classics to contemporary works.

There is also an opportunity to write your own texts. The newly redesigned courtyard offers a nature experience right on site.

● MASONIC LODGE “ZUM GOLDENEN RADE”

AT KATHARINENKIRCHE 3

At the Lortzinghaus, home to the Zum Goldenen Rade Masonic Lodge and the Temperantia Women’s Masonic Lodge, an extraordinary installation on the theme “The Path of Freemasons” will be on display this year. A journey filled with information and interactive presentations, from the first visit to a lodge all the way to the Master’s degree.

● SPEECH THERAPY PRACTICE AT HAARMANNSBRUNNEN YVONNE LOSCHINSKI

MÖSERSTRASSE 1

Images, Texts, Sounds

Osnabrück-based artist Michael Gaide will present new marquetry pieces (one of which was shot with a shotgun!) and, on the hour, recite his own short and very short texts. In between, he improvises naively and minimalistically on the piano and plays some well-known works in his own reinterpretations.

● SCULPTURE TRAIL

BÜRGERPARK, SENATORWAGNER-WEG, ENTRANCE AT THE BOOKCASE

7th Midnight Exhibition

A 2,500 m² garden area will be transformed into an open-air exhibition featuring sculptures and paintings by various artists. The Sculpture Trail stands out during this night event thanks to its special lighting. Far from the hustle and bustle of the city, this place offers the opportunity to find peace and reconnect with oneself.

➥ 6 p.m.–2 a.m.