Mini guide: DDW on a budget

With a ticket starting at €29.50, you get nine days (!) of design fun. But hey, maybe you’d rather spend that €29.50 on something else, or perhaps you only have a few hours for DDW this week. That’s why we’re here to tell you where you can have a great DDW experience (almost) for free.

Ketelhuisplein | Strijp-S

The Ketelhuisplein is always a great place to hang out, partly due to the presence of various pop-up bars and food stalls. Grab a hot chocolate and explore the lively square, where you can admire the power of bamboo-based design of the Trilix Bamboo Pavilion, for example. At the Embassy of Mobility, you can engage in a conversation how to make cities greener and more attractive. If you’re passionate about social impact, visit the Temple of Peace to discover the art installation that shares  the stories and experiences of refugees and asylum seekers.

VEEM | Strijp-S

At Manifestations, 50 young designers guide you through the world of art, tech, robots, and E-fashion. These exhibitions has become a staple for seasoned Dutch Design Week (DDW) visitors. Here, you’ll see works exploring the relationship between humans and technology and learn how these innovations can contribute to a more beautiful, kind, and socially connected world. 

Kazerne | City center

For just five euros, you get access to all the exhibitions at the Home of Design. Dive into innovative exhibitions that push the boundaries of textiles, offering fresh perspectives on this traditional medium. On Tuesday, October 22, join the iF DESIGN Get-together. During this special event, a guide will take you through the exhibition and share the influence of megatrends.  

Extra tip: reserve for lunch or dinner, and you can explore the exhibitions for free.

Kelderman en van Noort (KEVN) | Woensel-West

Do you love creating beautiful things? Then make sure to visit Buitengewoon Bijzondere Burcht, an architecture workshop where you can craft your own dream object using various materials. Roll up your sleeves and get creative! Those who know their way around materials, should check out Base and I exist because I change. A project combining, expertise and love for materials into one stunning  piece of furniture. Additionally, Driven by Purpose showcases the work of twenty studios from diverse disciplines: including  interior products,jewelry, graphic artworks, film, and social workshops. It highlights  how collaborations often lead to the most beautiful projects.

Donna | Strijp-S

Stimulating the senses through VR—anything is possible at DDW! Step into a world where Biophilic Design literally comes to life. Feel nature around you and be surprised by scents and tastes. At Experience the Power of Nature, you can already experience that future. Put on the headset and go!

De Fabriek | Hallenweg

Can you still find your way without Google Maps? For most of us, it’s almost unthinkable. Not so long ago, we had to rely solely on paper maps. Nowadays, artificial intelligence (AI) is so embedded in our daily lives that we can hardly do without it. The Interfering Perspectives project explores our dependence on AI and quantum technology through two installations. Who decides your route during DDW: you or the digital guide?

Extra tip: single tickets and reduced rates

Besides regular tickets, some locations offer individual tickets. These include Kazerne (€5), Dutch Invertuals (€5), New Order of Fashion Lab (€2.50), or Philips Museum (€12.50). With a wristband, you can enter these for free. On a tight budget? Through Cultuur-Inclusief, you can request a DDW ticket for €2.50. Children up to 11 years old can enter DDW for free! And students get a discount.