Open Monuments Day 2026 / Bamberg, Germany
The nationwide kickoff for Open Monuments Day 2026 in Germany will take place in Bamberg.
In 2026, Bamberg will transform into the “Capital of Historic Sites” for one day. Together with this Franconian city, the German Foundation for Monument Protection will host the nationwide opening ceremony for Open Monuments Day.
The opening ceremony will take place on Maximiliansplatz.
Program: to be announced
Organizer:
Deutsche Stiftung Denkmalschutz
(German Foundation for Monument Protection)
Schlegelstr. 1, 53113 Bonn
Tel.: 0228 9091-0
Email: info@denkmalschutz.de
URL: https://www.denkmalschutz.de/aktuelles.html
The historic center of Bamberg was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1993. It is one of the largest heritage-protected urban complexes in Germany and provides an authentic testimony to the development of a Central European city from the early Middle Ages to the present day. The city has long been committed to preserving its historical heritage and is regarded as a model of successful and active heritage conservation.
On September 13, numerous landmarks in this UNESCO World Heritage Site will open their doors to visitors and offer special tours. Visitors will be able to admire iconic landmarks such as Bamberg Cathedral, the Old Town Hall on the Bridge, and the Old Courtyard. The Open House of Monuments® will also offer a unique opportunity to visit places that are not normally accessible to the public.
A varied accompanying program will take place on the open-air stage, in its vicinity, and at other locations throughout the city. History and architecture enthusiasts will be able to meet heritage conservation experts at the interactive “Market of Opportunities” and, through hands-on demonstrations of restoration work, gain insight into the restoration of historic sites whose preservation is supported by the German Foundation for Monument Protection.
Tag des offenen Denkmals® (Open Monument Day)
As part of Tag des offenen Denkmals® 2026 (Open Monument Day), thousands of historic buildings across Germany will once again open their doors to visitors. Every year, millions of visitors embark on journeys into the past as part of Germany’s largest cultural event.
The German Foundation for Monument Protection, together with the city of Bamberg, is launching Germany’s largest cultural event. Under the motto “Networks: Monuments and Infrastructure,” this nationwide day of events will once again offer a diverse range of activities for visitors of all ages.
Source: Deutsche Stiftung Denkmalschutz
The architectural character of Bamberg was significantly influenced by the Dientzenhofer family of builders and architects, who were among the most important figures in Baroque architecture in Central Europe. Its members left their mark not only in Bavaria, Franconia, and the Palatinate, but also in Bohemia, Hesse, Thuringia, and Silesia.
Of the five Dientzenhofer brothers, Georg, Leonhard, and Johann Dientzenhofer left the most significant mark on Bamberg’s history; their buildings remain among the city’s most valuable examples of Baroque architecture to this day.