When does the finissage of Manifesta 16 Ruhr take place?

The finissage takes place on Sunday, October 4, 2026, from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM.

Where does the event take place?

The event venue is the former St. Josef Church at Ückendorfer Straße 124 in Gelsenkirchen.

What is the entry fee?

Entry to the finissage and to Manifesta 16 Ruhr is free.

Is there a family program?

Yes, the finissage features the family activity Something from Air.

Is the event suitable for children?

The family activity is explicitly aimed at families and offers a playful approach to contemporary art.

How long does the finissage last?

The event is scheduled from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM.

Manifesta 16 Ruhr ends with art, family moments, and new perspectives

Name: Manifesta 16 Ruhr: Finissage
Start: 2026-10-04T14:30:00+02:00
End: 2026-10-04T17:30:00+02:00
Location: Ehemalige St. Josef Kirche

Manifesta 16 Ruhr: Finissage in the former St. Josef Church

On the last day of Manifesta 16 Ruhr, the former St. Josef Church in Gelsenkirchen invites you to the finissage. The event combines the conclusion of the international biennale with a family activity titled Something from Air. The free afternoon opens a special access to contemporary art, cultural education, and communal contemplation of artworks.

An art experience in a sacred space

The former St. Josef Church provides an impressive setting for Manifesta 16 Ruhr. The historic church space maintains its architectural presence and simultaneously becomes a resonance chamber for contemporary artistic perspectives. Light, spatial effects, and the special materiality of the place shape the exhibition atmosphere, making the visit an aesthetic experience between memory, present, and social change.

Family activity Something from Air

With the family activity Something from Air, the finissage also targets young visitors. Playful perception, joint creation, and engagement with space and material are at the center. The activity creates an accessible entry point to contemporary art and invites families to actively experience the exhibition rather than just observe it.

Manifesta 16 Ruhr as a biennale of encounter

Manifesta 16 Ruhr will take place from June 21 to October 4, 2026, in the cities of Bochum, Duisburg, Essen, and Gelsenkirchen. The European traveling biennale utilizes former churches and other special locations to address questions of social cohesion, urban development, and the future of communal spaces. In Gelsenkirchen, the international art exhibition connects with local cultural impulses.

Conclusion: Experience contemporary art together

The finissage offers a festive conclusion to Manifesta 16 Ruhr and connects contemporary art with family education and communal encounters. Art enthusiasts, families, and curious visitors will experience a special afternoon with free admission in the former St. Josef Church. A visit is worthwhile to experience the biennale in its final phase directly on-site.