A new generation of designers, engineers and researchers
Dutch Design Week (DDW) is not only a place where students discover the designs of tomorrow. It is a place that inspires them to help shape what comes next. During DDW, a new generation of designers, engineers and researchers comes together with entrepreneurs to explore solutions to tomorrow’s challenges.
Take your students beyond the lecture hall and immerse them in a unique environment where design, technology and research intersect with society. They will meet leading designers, innovative companies and fellow students from around the world. They will discover groundbreaking ideas and gain insights that cannot be found in textbooks alone.
At DDW, your students are more than visitors. Their questions, perspectives and cultural backgrounds enrich the conversations and contribute to the international exchange of ideas that defines the event. We believe innovation emerges through dialogue. Your school, academy or university is part of that dialogue.
Meet like-minded people
Dutch Design Week (DDW) brings together students, emerging makers, designers and professionals from different countries and disciplines. This creates plenty of opportunities to meet new people, exchange experiences and expand your network. Talk to exhibitors, connect with students from other institutions and attend one of the many events. Round off your day with a drink at the bar on Ketelhuisplein, where visitors and participants come together.
Come to Eindhoven from 17 to 25 October 2026 and become part of an international community using design to shape change.
Tickets
Visit DDW with your class or group and explore the world of design together. Schools and educational institutions can order special group tickets and pay by invoice, making it easy to plan a visit that suits your pupils or students.
Routes and tips
There is plenty to discover during Dutch Design Week (DDW). By following the design routes, students can explore a wide range of design disciplines, creative approaches and technological innovations. The routes cover diverse themes, from health and mobility to sustainability and social innovation. Along the way, students meet designers, discover inspiring projects and locations and get hands-on with design through interactive activities.
There is also the Young Creators Route, featuring exhibitions by a new generation of creative talent. Students discover fresh ideas, bold concepts and innovative work by young designers and makers. It is an inspiring way to encounter the work of their peers, discover what other young creatives are working on and explore new perspectives and possibilities within design.
Guided tours
Discover DDW with a DDW guide. A guided tour offers students an inspiring introduction to the festival, its exhibitions and the stories behind the designs.
Schools and educational institutions can book a guided tour at the special rate of €250 per group, excluding VAT and DDW tickets. Each tour accommodates up to 15 students or participants. For larger groups, multiple tours can be booked. The tour lasts two hours and visits a selection of exhibitions and festival locations at Strijp-S.
Would you like to book a guided tour? Contact us at young@dutchdesignfoundation.com.
Academic Visit Pack
The Academic Visit Pack contains practical information to help you prepare for your visit to DDW. You can download the pack here (link available soon).
Getting there and accessibility
- Dutch Design Week (DDW) 2026 takes place from 17 to 25 October at more than 120 locations across Eindhoven. You can find all locations on the festival map.
- DDW does not have a single starting point. You can begin your visit anywhere in the city.
- Most locations are open daily from 11:00 to 18:00. Check the programme for locations with different opening hours.
- Several routes are available to help you plan your visit. There is also an Introduction to DDW exhibition, which is suitable for pupils. You can find it at Strijp-S, in front of the Klokgebouw.
- Parking during DDW can be challenging, particularly at Strijp-S. Whenever possible, travel to DDW by bicycle or public transport.
- If your class is travelling by coach, pupils can be dropped off at the Kiss & Ride point on Achtseweg Zuid in Eindhoven, near Strijp-S Station. This stop is marked with DDW Kiss & Ride signs. Coaches cannot remain at the drop-off point, but free coach parking is available further along Achtseweg Zuid.
- Each year, we learn and take further steps towards making DDW as accessible as possible for everyone. Information about wheelchair accessibility, low-stimulus spaces and quieter times is available here.
- More detailed information about getting to DDW and accessibility is available here.
Do you have any questions?
Check the FAQ or email us at young@dutchdesignfoundation.com.
