Antwerp Design Week is growing, not only in the number of participating brands but also in content, collaboration, and urban experience. The 2026 edition promises, according to organisers, a sharper, more international week with strengthened programming that places Belgian design at its centre.
© Leo Elenbaas | InteriorDaily.com
Chairman Geert-Jan Van Cauwelaert, pictured at last year's edition by the entrance of XLBoom, emphasised the importance of connection. The organisers aim to bring companies together, encourage cross-pollination, and raise the international profile of Belgian design.
Young yalent, Belgian craftsmanship, and exclusive encounters
Through an expanded HUB, Flanders DC brings together a strong selection of emerging designers who are just entering the market. Here, new talent is given space to showcase their work to retailers, architects, and international visitors.
Additionally, Fedustria will open the Fedustria House around ''This is Belgium'', a content-driven platform where Belgian craftsmanship comes together.
Design in unexpected locations
Antwerp Design Week is increasingly anchored in the city. Unique locations are being activated for the first time, from Sint-Jacobskerk to the vaults of a former bank.
In the iconic Boerentoren, a design exhibition will be created in collaboration with alumni from Thomas More. This dialogue between the event and Antwerp's iconic locations strengthens the overall experience.
Collaboration with Antwerp Design Market
The week also coincides with the Antwerp Design Market, Belgium's leading vintage and collectible design fair.
'This combination creates a unique cross-pollination between contemporary design and collectible pieces,' said project leader Emma Vanbeckevoort.
© Antwerp Design Week
2026: Bigger, sharper, more international
What began as a compact, high-quality B2B event has expanded into an international design week with a distinct Belgian signature. Antwerp is increasingly positioning itself as a design destination, and 2026 is set to be bigger, sharper, and more international.
Pre-registration for the event is now open here.
More information:
Antwerp Design Week
[email protected]
www.adw.life
