DesignBlok 2026

Prague is about to get a whole lot brighter. DesignBlok, the largest design and fashion festival in Central and Eastern Europe, is back for its 28th edition with a one-word theme: Light. With a castle, a national gallery and a freshly reopened palace on the venue list, this is one I’d happily rearrange my October for.

Event Overview

Key Highlights

• Light, taken seriously. The theme runs through Permanent Office’s new visual identity, the curated exhibitions and the conference, explored as a cultural symbol, a technological tool and an architectural element.
• A landmark reopens. DesignBlok is the first event inside the Industrial Palace at the Prague Exhibition Grounds after its seven-year reconstruction, using the historic central hall for talks, awards and fashion shows.
• DesignBlok Talks goes two days. Created with Dezeen, the design, architecture and development conference runs October 6–7, with speakers including Lee Broom, Daniel Rybakken, Lucie Koldová and Moser’s Jan Plecháč.
• Marcel Wanders takes the big honor. The Dutch designer personally receives the Award for Outstanding Contribution to Global Design on October 8, alongside the DesignBlok Awards 2026, judged by a jury chaired by Dezeen’s Max Fraser.
• Havel’s Castle, revisited. Design for Václav Havel at the Prague Castle Riding School shows pieces like Bořek Šípek’s Olga chair, while Eva Eisler’s Circle of Silence occupies the Chapel of the Holy Cross.
• Lamps get their authors back. Retro Lamps: Forgotten Stories of Czechoslovak Design, at the Museum of Decorative Arts, spotlights the designers behind mass-produced table, floor and pendant lamps from the 1950s–80s.
• A table that grows. Maxim Velčovský’s Veranda at the Trade Fair Palace centers on a table whose top slowly rises from children’s-table to bar-counter height, a metaphor for growing up together.

With 300+ exhibitors plus dozens of showrooms and galleries joining across the city, architects and interior designers should plan for at least two days, and grab tickets before advance pricing ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a DesignBlok 2026 ticket?

The Festival Pass is listed at 590 CZK, or 340 CZK for students aged 16–26 and seniors 60+, and it’s valid at all festival venues. Discounted advance sales end October 6, 2026.

What is Professionals’ Day?

On Tuesday, October 6 (13:00–17:00), professionals can tour the festival before the public opens and meet exhibitors in person. Access comes with the Conference Pass & Festival Pass (2,400 CZK) or the VIP passes.

Can I still exhibit at DesignBlok?

Not this year. Applications for the 29th edition open in February 2027, with a May 31, 2027 deadline; section details are on the exhibit info link above.