5 September – 1 November 2026
In 2026, the Stiftung Buchkunst celebrates its 60th anniversary. To mark this occasion, the foundation is presenting a special exhibition at the Museum Angewandte Kunst in Frankfurt am Main. From 5 September to 1 November 2026, an exclusive selection of the Best German Book Designs from six decades will be on display as part of World Design Capital Frankfurt RheinMain 2026.
Since its foundation in 1966, the Stiftung Buchkunst has annually honoured outstanding examples of book design and production in the Best German Book Design competition. The anniversary exhibition provides a comprehensive insight into the development of book design and documents the cultural significance of the book as an aesthetic object. The museum will present both historical and contemporary works that reflect the diversity and innovation of the past 60 years.
An independent selection committee, comprising experts from the fields of book design and production, literature, art, specialist books, and children’s and young adult literature, has selected the exhibits from the foundation’s extensive archive in Frankfurt. This diverse selection highlights the ongoing engagement with the aesthetic, social and technological developments in book design.
To accompany the exhibition, a programme of talks will be offered, addressing both historical developments and forward-looking topics such as the impact of digitalisation and sustainable practices in book production.
With this exhibition, the Stiftung Buchkunst not only looks back at its own history, but also provides an important impetus for the future of book design and its cultural significance in the digital age.
The exhibition is supported by the City of Frankfurt am Main, World Design Capital Frankfurt RheinMain 2026, AsKI e.V. and the Kulturfonds Frankfurt RheinMain.
A project by the Stiftung Buchkunst as part of WDC 2026. WDC 2026 is supported by the State of Hesse, the City of Frankfurt am Main and the Kulturfonds Frankfurt RheinMain.