When was the last time you intentionally set aside time for art? Not a quick dash through a museum between appointments, but truly immersing yourself in creativity, inspiration, and new perspectives? Perhaps you’d like to experience that this year, either alone or with a loved one. Imagine an art weekend filled with culture, creative energy, and inspiring encounters. We have a few ideas for you.

We set out to find unique art experiences for 2026. Not your typical museum visits, but rather, places and events where art comes to life, such as performances, light installations, and workshops where you can express your creativity.
And, of course, you can plan your art trip sustainably by traveling by train, keeping distances short, and staying at one of the sustainable hotels in the Green Pearls® network.

Some of these artistic moments can even be found right inside the hotels themselves. One recommendation is the Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel in South Tyrol. Several times a season, international and local artists are invited to work on-site, and as a guest, you’ll have the chance to interact with them directly. (For dates, follow the Pure.Art Circle Instagram channel.)

Dates and Art Events for 2026

ART and BEATS – Baden-Baden (April 18–19, 2026)

The historic Kurhaus Baden-Baden is hosting ART and BEATS, an event that brings together art, music, and networking.

Twenty-six national and international artists will display their work in the Kurhaus’s magnificent halls. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet the artists in person, learn about their inspiration, and chat with them.

Tip for sustainable accommodations: The Green Pearls® Hotel SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA is only about 30 minutes away and has several electric vehicle charging stations. For an even more sustainable trip, take the train to Baden-Baden and cover the last few kilometers by bus or taxi.

Brixen Water Light Festival (April 29 – May 16, 2026)

When light meets water, a special atmosphere is created. During the Brixen Water Light Festival, international artists transform the Old Town of Brixen into an impressive open-air gallery.

Installations and projections tell stories centered on the theme of water, literally casting the city’s historic sites in a new light. It’s perfect for an evening stroll filled with art and magic.

“The festival is ideal for a long spring weekend,” says Alexandra Huber from My Arbor. “Enjoy South Tyrol during the day, hike through the mountains, or relax in our wellness area. Then, immerse yourself in the world of light art in the evening.”

The hotel is located just about 15 minutes from the Brixen train station and boasts a breathtaking treetop setting with views of the Dolomites.

Paris: JR Transforms the Pont Neuf (June 6–28, 2026)

Paris is already one of the world’s great art capitals. In June 2026, however, the city will host a very special project. French artist JR will present a monumental, immersive installation on the famous Pont-Neuf bridge. Paying tribute to Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s legendary 1985 project of wrapping the bridge.

The installation is set to become the world’s largest immersive artwork and will only be on display for a limited time.

Located in the heart of Paris, the Pont Neuf is open to the public. So you can experience the artwork on a whim.

After strolling along the Seine, spend the evening at one of the sustainable Green Pearls® hotels: Le Pavillon Paris or Hôtel Amélie.

Both are located in the charming 7th arrondissement, just a few steps from Rue Saint-Dominique and within walking distance of the Eiffel Tower. The Pont Neuf is about four kilometers away and can be reached by metro or on foot. One exciting feature is that the hotels offer water and air filtration systems, as well as shielding against electromagnetic pollution upon request. These features create a relaxing retreat in the middle of the big city.

Selbst kreativ werden

Zen Art Workshop on the Island of Iž, Croatia (June 20–27, 2026)

If you don’t just want to look at art but create it yourself, we have another idea for a creative summer vacation. On the Croatian island of Iž, you can take part in a Zen Art workshop at the sustainable Hotel Korinjak and learn the traditional Japanese painting technique Sumi-e.

In this workshop, you’ll create minimalist paintings using black ink and special brushes—often inspired by nature. The workshops are also suitable for beginners. The focus is on the creative process itself: concentration, calm, and the meditative movement of the brush.

Ana Grzincic from the hotel explains: “Many guests have their works displayed at the hotel after the workshop. Over time, this creates small, rotating galleries featuring the visitors’ artwork.”

Painting Trip to the Ritten – South Tyrol (July 5–11, 2026)

At the APIPURA hotel rinner on the Ritten, you can pick up a paintbrush yourself. During a painting retreat led by artist Elmar Siegesleitner, you’ll spend a creative week on the sunny high plateau above Bolzano. Over the course of five days, you’ll paint outdoors together while enjoying views of the South Tyrolean mountain landscape, meadows, and forests surrounding the Ritten. The perfect surroundings to spark your creativity.

The APIPURA hotel rinner offers a generous breakfast buffet with a wide selection of homemade organic honey, multi-course dinners prepared by Chef Manfred Rinner, and the Rittencard, which provides free access to cable cars, trains, and museums in the region. A trip to Bolzano is also planned as part of the retreat. As with the Hotel Korinjak, the Apipura will exhibit all the works at an opening reception.

The artist’s website also organizes carpooling opportunities.

Maybe your next Artlover trip will be more than just an encounter with art—it will be the moment you get creative yourself!

Save this article for your next Art Weekend getaway