The Art Nouveau Festival 2025 - A weekend full of elegance, craftsmanship and nostalgia

When top hats and silk dresses, antique bicycles and fragrant soaps come together, when classical choral music fills the park and Art Nouveau ornaments form the backdrop - then it's the Art Nouveau Festival in Bad Nauheim again. On this September weekend, the spa town's magnificent drinking spa complex is transformed into a living museum of the turn of the century. For two days, the public can immerse themselves in the world of the Belle Époque - and admission is free. The festival has long been a supra-regional crowd-puller. Its special blend of stylish entertainment, high-quality craftsmanship and cultural depth makes it a highlight in Hesse's calendar of events. The heart of the weekend is the restorers' and artisans' market, which stretches right across the grounds with its lovingly designed stands. Whether delicate glass and ceramic art, finely crafted jewelry, hand-bound books, stationery, fashion or soaps - the range on offer is as diverse as it is unique. Here you can encounter handicrafts in their most authentic form: personal, decelerated and with high standards of aesthetics and quality.

Bad Nauheim: Art Nouveau Festival 2025 - A weekend full of elegance, craftsmanship and nostalgia

The work of the restorers, who refurbish historical furniture, paintings and wallpaper directly on site, is particularly fascinating. Their work not only offers exciting insights into historical techniques, but also makes it clear how valuable and up-to-date the preservative view of the past can be.
But the festival would not be what it is without its atmospheric productions: Time and again, you come across the members of the Art Nouveau Association's fashion group striding across the grounds in costumes true to the original. Their appearances give the weekend its special charm - and provide plenty of material for souvenir photos in the style of times gone by. The fashion shows also provide an impressive insight into the different ways in which the clothing of the Belle Époque responded to everyday life, age, gender and status - a fashionable testimony to the times that still fascinates today.

Restorers work on historical furniture, paintings and wallpaper directly on site.

Another highlight is the supporting musical program: various choirs, small ensembles and dance groups perform contemporary music on the grounds - from salon-style chansons to lively dance repertoire. Fans of historical mobility will also get their money's worth: antique penny-farthings and bicycles will be on display and some will even be demonstrated in action.
There is a special children's program for the youngest visitors, which brings the Art Nouveau period to life in a playful and creative way. Workshops, puzzle rallies and arts and crafts activities ensure there is never a dull moment - and also offer adults the opportunity to discover the "good old days" with new eyes.
With the Art Nouveau Festival, Bad Nauheim once again demonstrates how lively and accessible cultural history can be. Not as a nostalgic look back, but as an inspiring bridge between past and present. The Belle Époque is alive - at least on this special weekend in September.
September 13 & 14, 2025 , Trinkkuranlage, admission free
www.jugendstilfestival.de