Red Dot Award Ceremony 2026

Press invitation

On 7 July 2026, Essen will become an international meeting point for the world of design: leading companies and designers from across the globe – including Fiskars, Honda, BRP, Ferrari and Epson – will gather at the Aalto Theater and the Red Dot Design Museum for the Red Dot Award: Product Design ceremony.

We warmly invite you to accompany this special day as a representative of the press.

» Go to the accreditation form

Pre-Programme at the Red Dot Design Museum

From 2 p.m.
Red Dot Design Museum
Gelsenkirchener Straße 181
45309 Essen, Germany

In the afternoon, accredited media representatives will receive exclusive access to the Red Dot Design Museum. Prior to the official opening, you will experience the new exhibitions during a preview and meet the winners of the “Red Dot: Best of the Best” distinction in a personal atmosphere.

Among award-winning products, international design teams and representatives of renowned brands, opportunities arise for conversations, interviews and first impressions – immediately before the official celebrations begin.

At 4:30 p.m., shuttle buses will take guests to the Aalto Theater. Members of the press are also invited to use the shuttle buses.

Red Dot Gala

Doors open: 5 p.m., gala begins: 6 p.m.
Aalto Theater
Opernplatz 10
45128 Essen, Germany

At the centre of the Red Dot Gala are the winners of the “Red Dot: Best of the Best” distinction, who will receive their trophies in a festive setting. Professor Dr. Peter Zec, Founder & CEO of Red Dot, will host the evening together with members of the Red Dot Jury.

» A look back at the 2025 award ceremony

Among the honoured companies are Kärcher, Ferrari, LG Electronics and BRP, representing outstanding design quality and innovative strength across a wide range of product categories.

» The winners of the Red Dot Award: Product Design 2026

Aalto Ballet presents “Walking Mad”

Another artistic highlight will be presented by Aalto Ballet Essen with an excerpt from Johan Inger’s award-winning piece “Walking Mad”, inspired by Ravel’s “Bolero” – an atmospheric production exploring human emotions, closeness and transformation.

Honouring Epson as Red Dot: Design Team of the Year 2026

A special highlight of the evening is the presentation of the title “Red Dot: Design Team of the Year 2026” to Epson Design. Epson Design is recognised for combining technological precision with a distinctly human-centred design approach focused on harmony, functionality and intuitive user experiences. By naming Epson Design “Red Dot: Design Team of the Year 2026”, Red Dot honours the consistent design strategy and innovative strength behind Epson’s internationally successful products.

» Find out more about Epson Design

Designers’ Night

From 8:30 p.m.
Red Dot Design Museum
Gelsenkirchener Straße 181
45309 Essen, Germany

In the evening, the Red Dot Design Museum will open its doors for the Designers’ Night – the official after-show party among international guests, award-winning products, jury members and design teams from around the world. On the grounds of the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, selected award-winning automobiles from renowned brands will also be presented in an exclusive setting around the museum.

You can also look forward to:

• the exhibition “Design on Stage 2026–2027” featuring all award-winning products of the year across five floors
• “Red Dot Milestones 2026–2027” showcasing outstanding examples across various product categories
• a special exhibition, curated by the Red Dot: Design Team of the Year 2026, Epson Design
• the presentation of the four qualities of good design
• interactive formats such as the One-Minute Design Challenge

Upon request, we are also happy to provide editorial teams with tailored information on award-winning products from individual categories.

Accreditation

The number of press places is limited. Accreditation is primarily intended for journalists and media representatives who wish to provide editorial coverage of the event. We therefore kindly ask you to register in advance using our accreditation form.

Please provide the following information:

• your full name
• the media outlet you are reporting for
• whether you will be attending alone or with a camera or photography team
• the form of coverage you are planning

Please note that all accreditation requests will be reviewed and that registration does not automatically constitute confirmation of attendance.

You will receive your confirmation of attendance, together with all relevant admission information, by email in the week prior to the event.

We look forward to welcoming you to Essen – for a day dedicated to international design culture, inspiring encounters and exceptional staging.

Kind regards,
Your Red Dot Team