Utopian Hours Festival 2026 Rotterdam

Utopian Hours is an international festival focused on urban innovation and city-making, taking place for the first time outside Italy in 2026 at the Groot Handelsgebouw in Rotterdam. The two-day program brings together international architects, urban planners, policymakers, researchers, and city-makers for keynotes, panels, workshops, and exhibitions on the future of cities.

Europe’s leading festival on urban futures

Utopian Hours is an international festival on city-making, founded by the Italian agency Stratosferica and held annually in Turin. The festival brings together architects, urban planners, policymakers, designers, and city-makers to explore the future of cities through keynotes, panel discussions, workshops, exhibitions, and city walks. In 2026, the festival will celebrate its tenth edition with a special premiere: Part 1 will take place outside Italy for the first time, in Rotterdam, the host city and co-organizer alongside the Municipality of Rotterdam, Rotterdam Partners, and Groot Handelsgebouw.

Theme and program Rotterdam

The overarching theme of Utopian Hours 2026 is “United Cities”: the role of metropolises as drivers of societal progress in a divided world. The Rotterdam program includes international keynotes, panel discussions, and workshops. Key topics include climate adaptation, urban resilience, architecture, and sustainable urban development. Rotterdam was chosen for its reputation in architectural innovation, water challenges, and reconstruction, with themes that align closely with the festival’s mission. Previous speakers at Utopian Hours include Winy Maas (MVRDV), Elizabeth Diller (Diller Scofidio + Renfro), and Brent Toderian.

Who is Utopian Hours Rotterdam for?

The festival is aimed at urban planners, architects, policymakers, urban planners, designers, and anyone interested in the future of cities. In addition to a Festival Pass, a Professional Pass is available, providing access to roundtables and networking opportunities. Early bird tickets are available through the website.

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