phil.COLOGNE

Lecture/reading

Big questions, bright minds, lively debates - phil.COLOGNE 2026

When Cologne transforms into a forum for the big questions of our time, it's phil.COLOGNE again. From June 6 to 13, 2026, phil.COLOGNE will once again be a meeting place for outstanding thinkers from philosophy, science and politics. 2026 will once again see Europe's largest festival of philosophy bring international thinkers, renowned authors, scientists and influential voices from politics and society to the Rhine metropolis. Together with an inquisitive audience, they will discuss current topics ranging from ethics and technology to democracy and responsibility, identity, freedom and cohesion.

phil.COLOGNE stands for sophisticated content in an accessible form. Philosophy comes to life in talks, lectures, discussions and readings - comprehensible, inspiring and always in dialog with the challenges of the present. The festival sees itself as a place for open exchange, where different perspectives meet and new impulses for thought arise.

In addition to the main program, phil.COLOGNE is also aimed specifically at young people: With its own school program, it promotes philosophical thinking and the joy of discussion among schoolchildren and brings fresh questions to the stage.

The events take place in centrally located cultural venues in Cologne and turn the city into a hotspot of international thought for several days.

Dates

Good to know

Eligibility

  • Suitable for any Weather

  • Target Group Teenager

  • Target Group Adult

  • Target Group the Elderly

  • for Class

  • for individual guests

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