The International Garden Exhibition (IGA) 2027 is set to transform the Ruhr Metropolis in Germany into a grand festival of nature, lasting impacting urban planning and the environment. With over 2.6 million visitors expected, the event will take place from April to October 2027, spanning five cities: Duisburg, Gelsenkirchen, Dortmund, Lünen, and Emscherland.

IGA 2027 will not only serve as a showcase for the green sector but will also act as a laboratory of ideas addressing key future topics such as climate, mobility, health, agriculture, and urban sustainability. In addition to stunning gardens, the event will feature a wide range of cultural activities, exhibitions, and artistic installations, reinforcing the role of green spaces in urban environments.

An Urban and Environmental Transformation Project

According to Nina Frense, Managing Director of IGA 2027, the festival will bring innovation and beauty to the Ruhr districts, turning urban parks and post-industrial areas into livable and accessible green spaces.

The initiative aims to solidify the Ruhr’s transition towards ecological transformation, emphasizing public green spaces as tools for climate adaptation and urban development. The positive effects of previous garden exhibitions can already be seen in parks like Grugapark in Essen, Westfalenpark in Dortmund, and Nordsternpark in Gelsenkirchen, all of which emerged from past Bundesgartenschau exhibitions.

IGA 2027 continues this tradition with a decentralized and inclusive approach involving an area of 4,400 km² and more than five million residents. This innovative model follows the success of initiatives such as IBA Emscherpark and Ruhr.2010 European Capital of Culture, aiming for a lasting impact on the economy, tourism, and quality of life.

Participating Cities and Key Projects

Each host city will feature a “Future Garden”, uniquely reflecting local characteristics. According to Horst Fischer, Managing Director of IGA 2027, the selected areas were strategically chosen to ensure long-term sustainable development.

Dortmund

• Creation of a new urban district park.
• Construction of the Haldensprung Bridge, connecting Huckarde to Deusenberg.
• Redevelopment of the Hansa Coking Plant into a multifunctional hub for events and cultural activities.

Gelsenkirchen

• Expansion of Nordsternpark westward.
• Development of a new waterfront with the redesign of the Turning Basin.
• Transformation of the coal bunker into a multifunctional facility called Greentower, featuring restaurants and exhibition spaces.

Duisburg

• Climate-resilient redesign of Rhine Park with new plantings.
• Expansion of the skate park and construction of new playgrounds.
• Creation of a new event arena and transformation of Kultushafen into an environmental education and leisure hub.

Lünen and Emscherland

• Conversion of former mining areas into biodiverse and multifunctional green spaces.

The estimated investment for IGA 2027 is €800 million, with a significant economic impact: €677 million generated in North Rhine-Westphalia and €656 million in the Ruhr, driven by increased tourism, job creation, and territorial development.

A Community-Driven Event

A key aspect of IGA 2027 is active community participation. Through the “Mein Garten” initiative, Ruhr residents will have the opportunity to showcase their green projects, connect with collaborators, and build new cooperative networks.

Starting in January 2025, the region will be invited to contribute to the event, making it a truly collective and shared experience.

A Thematic Exhibition on Nature and Innovation

Each Future Garden will have a distinct identity, developed based on local characteristics. The central themes include:

• Sustainable mobility
• Climate adaptation and biodiversity
• Health and well-being through green spaces
• Agriculture and food innovation
• New production methods and economic development

All IGA 2027 installations and events will align with these themes, creating an immersive experience that blends nature, art, and culture.

According to Eva Kähler-Theuerkauf, President of the North Rhine-Westphalia Horticultural Association, IGA 2027 represents an extraordinary opportunity to enhance the quality of life in the Ruhr.

“IGA 2027 is not just a celebration of garden beauty; it’s an opportunity to leave a lasting impact. We will bring more green spaces to a former coal-mining region, promoting sustainability, urban development, and innovation. Our goal is to offer visitors practical ideas to improve their own green spaces and raise awareness of topics such as biodiversity and ecology.”

Through this project, IGA 2027 will be not only a garden festival but also a catalyst for change, making the Ruhr one of the most sustainable industrial regions in Europe.