The Kölner Werkschau 2026, held on February 6th and 7th, transformed the Media University Cologne campus into a premier showcase for tomorrow’s design trends. Located in the vibrant district of Zollstock, south of Cologne’s city centre, the Departments of Design and Journalism & Communication presented their latest breakthroughs. The event attracted a diverse international audience and key players from the Rhein-Main-Neckar region and the local Cologne creative hub, highlighting the high standards of academic media education in Germany’s “Cathedral City.”
Exhibition Highlights: Where Tradition Meets Tech The exhibition in Southern Cologne provided a deep dive into our state-recognized degree programmes:
-B.A. Graphic Design and Visual Communication
-B.A. Game Design and Interactive Media
-M.A. Communication Design and Creative Strategies
A central theme was the synergy between traditional craftsmanship and pioneering technologies, offering a wide-ranging insight into design principles, visual concept development, UI/UX design, storytelling, animation, visual effects, future-oriented thinking, and the use of generative artificial intelligence. Key highlights of the Cologne Design Showcase included:
-Live Experiences: Visitors engaged with live visual mixing and explored future-gazing illustrated tarot card projects.
-“Think Positive” Game Design: Indie games developed in Cologne with a focus on mental health and social impact.
-AI & Design: Experimental projects exploring the professional use of Generative Artificial Intelligence in visual communication.
Networking and Academic Excellence in the Rhineland: For prospective students and industry experts from across Germany, the exclusive campus tour led by Design Professors (Prof. Sebastian Hirsch, Prof. Anke Schweiger, Prof. Dr. Markus Schröppel und Prof. Jutta Zylka) on Saturday provided unique networking opportunities. The Kölner Werkschau once again underscored the importance of design education for Cologne as a major European business and media location, offering a glimpse into the bright future of our graduates.
Where did the 2026 Kölner Werkschau take place?
The exhibition was hosted at the Media University of Applied Sciences campus in Cologne-Zollstock, a creative district known for its proximity to the Rhine and the media industry.
Which departments were featured at the Cologne event?
The showcase primarily featured the Departments of Design and Journalism & Communication, presenting both Bachelor’s and Master’s level work.
How can I see student portfolios from Media University?
Information on current exhibitions, digital portfolios, and upcoming events is regularly updated on the official Media University website.
