The Academy of Fine Arts, University of Zagreb, is the central venue of Zagreb Design Week 2026. From 15 to 20 September, its campus at Ilica 85 becomes the festival’s main meeting point for designers, artists, students, institutions, brands and audiences from Croatia and abroad.

For six days, the Academy is transformed into a temporary city of design filled with exhibitions, installations, lectures, panel discussions, workshops, fashion programmes, experimental projects and other events presenting contemporary design practice and creating opportunities for the exchange of ideas.

Within the distinctive setting of an art academy, studios, corridors, halls and outdoor areas become part of the festival itself. This year’s theme, “Friction”, further emphasises encounters between different disciplines, generations, perspectives and approaches, turning the Academy into a space for dialogue, experimentation and new creative connections.

During the main festival week, the Academy of Fine Arts thus becomes the heart of Zagreb Design Week – a place where design is not only exhibited, but also produced, discussed, explored and experienced.