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City of Bonn

Summer of Change: City and Bundeskunsthalle Bonn present program

The "Summer of Change - Bonn Cultural Festival" will take place in Bonn for the first time from May 31 to September 27, 2025. The program includes more than 90 events at 40 locations throughout the city and was presented by the City of Bonn and the Bundeskunsthalle Bonn on Thursday, 22 May.

Participants of the "Summer of Change" at the program presentation in the Bundeskunsthalle Bonn.

Almost 40 partners from all cultural sectors have joined forces with associations and scientific organizations from Bonn to put together a varied programme for all age groups that sheds light on the topic of ecological sustainability in a creative and informative way. In exhibitions, readings, plays, performances, films, lectures, workshops, information events, family programs, digital offerings, sporting events and concerts, the public is invited to engage in a creative debate and a change of perspective. At the same time, the program aims to make the topic and its social relevance as well as the efforts of cultural institutions visible to Bonn's urban society. This commitment is intended to show meaningful and alternative paths to a sustainable future.

Summer of Change 2025 logo

Mayor Katja Dörner: "Culture and sport are important drivers for change processes. Bonn's cultural scene is making a positive contribution to sustainable development with its activities and offerings. The 'Summer of Change' bundles these offers and makes visible how much is already happening in the city. There is certainly still a lot to do, but the cultural scene has set out on its journey. This broad commitment will be visible throughout the summer. The program inspires and gives new impetus for action."

Dr. Birgit Schneider-Bönninger, Head of Sport and Culture for the City of Bonn, adds: "Sustainability is a team sport. We can only tackle the challenges of the future together. I am convinced that the sports and cultural sectors have a lot to gain from each other in this respect."

Eva Kraus, Director of the Bundeskunsthalle, is optimistic about the festival period and emphasizes the power of culture: "The opening ceremony will only give a small foretaste of what can be expected this summer. Sustainability presents us with major challenges. It is one of the key issues of our time. That's why I'm delighted that Bonn's cultural scene is making a vibrant contribution to this together."

Opening on May 31 at the Bundeskunsthalle

The "Summer of Change" will be opened during the Museumsmeilenfest on Saturday, May 31, at 3 pm on the roof of the Bundeskunsthalle. Mayor Katja Dörner and Dr. Eva Kraus, Director of the Bundeskunsthalle, will give welcoming speeches. The festival will close on September 27 as part of the Beethovenfest Bonn program. Before the concert "Brooklyn Rider: Citizenship Notes", a panel discussion on the topic of "Transformation now!" will be held in the Pantheon.

The entire program of the "Summer of Change - Kulturfestival Bonn" can be found at  www.bonn.de/summer-of-change. (opens in a new tab)