Culture and Community: Ulm Sets the Stage for Theater, Museums, and Kehlturm in February 2026

Theater Ulm: Season 2026–2027 under the Direction of Greta Călinescu

In February 2026, the future of Theater Ulm was in focus. Greta Călinescu, the designate theater director, presented the program for the 2026–2027 season. The program is characterized by a mix of classic plays and contemporary productions, with a special emphasis on international cooperation and a young audience.

The program was discussed by the Cultural Department Committee on February 27, 2026, and deliberated in a public session. The decision to acknowledge the program was made unanimously. With Călinescu as director, Ulm is pursuing a clear artistic direction that emphasizes both cultural quality and social relevance.

Museum "Die Einsteins": Balance and Outlook After One Year

The museum "Die Einsteins," which opened in November 2024, has established itself as a culturally and historically significant location. In February 2026, the Cultural Department presented a report on the first full year of operation.

Visitor numbers increased significantly compared to the previous year: 10,958 visitors in 2025 compared to 4,940 in 2024. Particularly the summer months and international events such as International Museum Day or Culture Night contributed to the high numbers. A large portion of the visitors (75%) came from Germany, while international visitors from Switzerland, the USA, Austria, and other countries also increased.

Financially, however, the museum is not yet self-sufficient. Revenues from entrance fees and shop sales cover only about a third of the costs. The 2025 budget showed a need of nearly 540,000 euros, with investments in advertising and shop equipment being a priority. For 2026, an expansion of the shop's product range is planned.

Another focus is educational work: 22 student groups visited the museum in 2025, and further offers for school classes are planned for 2026. A 3D tour in the digital space is also being developed to improve access for people with limited mobility or from afar.

Kehlturm: Open Tower 2026 as a Boost for Cultural Revitalization

Another key cultural initiative in Ulm is the "Open Tower" project at the Kehlturm. The goal is to develop the tower into a versatile cultural and tourist site by 2028 – two years before the State Garden Show. In February 2026, the progress of the project and the planning for 2026 were presented.

The Kehlturm is to become a space for creative industries, gastronomy, culture, and coworking. During the 2024 pilot phase, model rooms were developed, and in 2026, an Open Tower Festival with art, culture, and experiments is planned, which will take place during the "Stürmt die Burg" festival.

A central aspect is the development of a "Burg Community" that actively participates in the design process. Workshops, a call for tenants, and signature events such as the "Halloween Tower" or the "Christmas Tower" are part of the concept.

The project is supported by the federal funding program "National Urban Development Projects" and is integrated into the overall development of Wilhelmsburg. The city of Ulm emphasizes that the Kehlturm should not only become a tourist destination, but also a social and cultural anchor for the region.

Outlook: Culture as a Central Impulse for Ulm

The decisions and projects of February 2026 show that Ulm is setting a strong cultural course. Theater, museums, and historic buildings like the Kehlturm play a central role in the city's development.

With a clear strategy for the cultural future, stronger involvement of students and families, and more intensive use of digital and tourist channels, Ulm aims not only to address its local population but also to establish itself as an international cultural city.