This October, Prague will host the 28th edition of DesignBlok, bringing together more than 300 designers, studios, and brands from the Czech Republic and beyond. The program will unfold across the city’s cultural landmarks, with the newly restored Industrial Palace at Výstaviště Praha serving as a central showcase venue.
Founded in 1999, the event has grown into a premier design platform for Central Europe. Over the course of a week-long festival, both established names and emerging talents will present work side by side, creating a dialogue that spans independent studios and internationally recognised brands.
The 2026 edition adopts the theme “light”, a concept that stands for knowledge, truth, hope, and life. Jana Zielinski, the festival’s director, notes that the idea will be expressed through both abstract installations and concrete product displays, ensuring the motif resonates throughout every corner of the schedule.
The festival’s reach extends beyond the primary venues, with more than 50 galleries, showrooms, and independent design spaces joining the celebration across the city. A standout feature is an installation by Lee Broom, created in partnership with Czech glass maker Brokis. This luminous piece will occupy a prominent public square, inviting passers-by to experience the theme of light in an immersive way.
The DesignBlok Talks series will host a roster of speakers that includes Lee Broom, Daniel Rybakken, Laurids Gallée, Judith van Vliet, and Maxim Velčovský. These sessions are scheduled for October 6-7 and will be held in the historic central hall of the Industrial Palace, offering a platform for discussion on contemporary design challenges.
Visitors who wish to attend can plan for the full festival, which runs from October 7-11, 2026. Detailed information about tickets, program highlights, and partner events is available on the official website: DesignBlok 2026.
