The Landesgartenchau 2026 will be accessible through Wendersplatz.
Neuss' Wenders Square Transforms into a Vibrant Event Hub for the 2026 Landesgartenschau
Preparations are underway for the 2026 Landesgartenschau (State Garden Show) in Neuss, and the redesign of Wenders Square is at the heart of the transformation. The square will be a direct welcome to the main West entrance of the event, serving as a lively, multifunctional event hub that supports the festival's activities and showcases key temporary and permanent structures.
A Central Gathering Space
Wenders Square will serve as a central meeting and event area, offering open, flexible spaces for visitors to congregate, rest, and engage with programming during the Landesgartenschau. The square’s design includes enhanced green areas, flower beds, and seasonal planting designs that align with the horticultural theme of the event.
Improved Accessibility
Improvements to pathways, entrances, and public transport connections ensure easy and inclusive access for all visitors. With the square's central location, it will act as a connection between the city center and the showground for the Landesgartenschau.
IHK Pavilion
The IHK (Industrie- und Handelskammer) pavilion is a key temporary or semi-permanent structure within the redesign. The pavilion, which will be hosted by the IHK Mittlerer Niederrhein, will serve as an information and exhibition space, potentially showcasing regional business initiatives, innovations, and local economy highlights. The pavilion's design will feature modern, sustainable architecture, possibly utilizing modular, lightweight construction, enabling easy assembly and disassembly post-event.
Temporary Structures
Temporary stages and audience seating arrangements will support concerts, performances, and public presentations throughout the Landesgartenschau. Modular kiosks and tents will provide spaces for food vendors, artisans, and sponsors, integrating design elements consistent with the overall theme. Portable restroom facilities will be planned discreetly to maintain cleanliness and visitor comfort. Clear, thematic signage will ensure visitors navigate easily between the Wenders Square and other event locations.
Additional Features
The site will also feature colorful raised beds, mist showers, trees, urban seating areas, lighting, and a pavilion. A Ferris wheel will be installed at the site from June 2026 during the Landesgartenschau. A 70-meter-high observation tower will be featured at the five-hectare site during the event.
Visitors' Opportunities
Young people can explore apprenticeships, meet trainees and trainers, and learn about future technologies at the IHK pavilion. The redesigned Wenders Square will be a hub for visitors, providing a wealth of opportunities to engage with local businesses and the agricultural/horticultural celebration central to the event.
For guests arriving by tram or bike, Wenders Square will be their first point of contact with the Landesgartenschau. The city plans to widen the footpath across the Hessentordamm, provide ample bike parking, and temporarily close the area to cars.
Renovation works for Wendersplatz will commence at the beginning of the new year. Until then, the square can still be used as a parking lot, including during the pre-Christmas period. The design by LAND focuses on temporary, multifunctional structures for the Landesgartenschau 2026. LAND was a cooperative partner of the city planners and architects of JSWD, whose urban design concept won in a cooperative workshop procedure. The square will become a shady event hub when the Landesgartenschau begins on April 16, 2026.
Wenders Square will not only be a lively center for events during the 2026 Landesgartenschau, but it will also serve as a home-and-garden oasis, featuring enhanced green areas, flower beds, and seasonal planting designs.
The IHK pavilion, a key structure within the redesign of Wenders Square, will offer an opportunity for visitors to engage with regional business initiatives and learn about future technologies.
