The Austrian broadcaster ORF unveiled the stage design for the 70th Eurovision Song Contest, to be held in Vienna in 2026. The inspiration for the stage design was the Vienna Secession. The concept designer is Florian Wieder, a German set designer and creative producer who has designed Eurovision stages in 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2024 and 2025. For him this will be his 10th project for the contest.
According to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the basis of the concept is the creative heritage of the Vienna Secession:
ORF wants to deliberately break with traditions and allow new forms. It is about the courage to renew, openness to radical creativity, and a new freedom of design
The Vienna Secession is an artistic movement of the late 19th to early 20th century that sought to depart from academic traditions and open up new forms of creativity. In the stage design, elements typical of this style were used that combine elegance and symbolism: plant motifs (leaves) – a symbol of a new beginning, diversity and unity of European music; curved lines – embodying resonance, emotion, and the connection between performers and the audience; golden geometric ornaments – a golden structure that links art with functionality and creates a contrast with organic forms.
The green room will also be directly connected to the stage – a special passage will allow artists and the winner to pass through the audience hall.
According to the organizers, the new design “preserves the DNA of Eurovision,” while also opening up “new creative horizons” for the 70th anniversary contest in Vienna.
What is known about Eurovision 2026
The 70th Eurovision Song Contest 2026 will take place in Vienna (Austria) from May 12 to 16. Thirty-five countries have confirmed their participation, with Bulgaria, Romania, and Moldova among those returning.
The draw to determine in which semi-finals the countries will compete will take place in Vienna on January 12. More detailed information about the hosts and how the 70th Eurovision anniversary will be celebrated will be announced in the near future.
There are ongoing debates over Israel’s participation: after the decision to keep the country among the participants, Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Iceland declined to participate. Portugal’s participation is also at risk: 11 of the 16 participants in the national selection Festival da Canção have said they would decline to travel to the contest if Portugal wins.
Detailed updates will be released soon.
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