I’ve often been asked to describe what makes 3daysofdesign unique to other design festivals. As I see it, 3daysofdesign is very much like a gift. It’s an immersive, multi-sensory, discovery-driven experience fuelled by the passion of our exhibitors from Denmark and abroad. More than a showcase of design, we orchestrate moments that matter. Experiences that are meaningful and memorable, and that resonate with all our visitors, from design professionals, the global press and influencers to the general public, who travel to Copenhagen from all corners of the world for just 3 intense days a year.

3daysofdesign is Denmark’s Official Design Festival and Copenhagen Design Week. Unlike designfairs, our exhibition space is Copenhagen itself. Our festival takes place at various designated Design Districts throughout the city, where exhibitors feature their work in curated venues, from showrooms and cultural centres, workshops and renovated warehouses, to museums and Rococo mansions. It’s where visitors can explore our award-winning architecture, progressive urban planning, and vibrant design culture. Allowing for chance encounters, new business contacts, collaborations and inspiration where you least expect it.

A sacred place

3daysofdesign is a highly-curated festival with a truly unique spirit you can sense. There’s a certain intimacy and informality, together with a feeling of collective care from our community of creatives - our beloved exhibitors. Although they represent a mix of diverse cultures, continents and design disciplines, everyone supports each other. We go out of our way to foster a feeling that “we’re all in this together”, so that people can turn to each other for help and learn from each other.

And another thing. We encourage compassion, not competition. As criteria for a brand to be able to exhibit at our festival, we all share the same set of values at the core of our own creative credo. Integrity. Originality. Honesty. Relevance. Responsibility. And mutual respect for each other’s distinctive identity and viewpoint.

3daysofdesign is a not-for-profit festival funded by the exhibitors, and everyone is committed to keeping a close feeling of community, our unique edge, and adding value to the overall festival experience for everyone.

We consider 3daysofdesign as a rather sacred place. Comprised of people who have been specially chosen, who share our passion, our values, and our belief that design should always be mindful of people and the planet we all share.

From upstarts to iconic                                                      

3daysofdesign is an exclusive festival that’s inclusive of everyone who would like to attend. We’re a democratic organisation featuring both emerging and established talent. Rising stars, fresh perspectives, and alternative ideas from a cross-section of disciplines within design, lighting, interior design and materials. From experimental upstarts to classic and iconic, we believe everyone should have an equal opportunity for global exposure.

Our desire is to diminish barriers to the design community and actively create pathways for the next generation of designers to be seen, heard and connected.

By bringing together small and large design brands from across the design industry within the context of our shared community spirit, we are giving all our exhibitors a collective voice with far more power and potential than any individual brand could have on its own.

International brands are very much welcome, because we champion different perspectives, an openness to new concepts, and the free exchange of ideas that question conventional. They bring into our design ecosystem fresh viewpoints, and they take with them knowledge, connections and inspiration. Likewise, our local designers are exposed to an international audience, leading to potential partnerships and opportunities they wouldn’t have otherwise.

The bigger picture

We see it as our responsibility to address some of the challenges facing society, and to explore design’s role in finding solutions. Which is why our 3daysofdesign Symposiums and other initiatives tackle topics from sustainable sourcing, circularity and the green transition to new materials, wellbeing and the emotional longevity of design.

It has been our aim from the start to provide a platform where the industry's most important design discourse can take place – between both new and known names, craftspeople and manufacturers, thought-leaders, researchers and industry insiders, creatives and consumers, as well as the global press. By setting the stage for dialogue and debate, and inviting the wider public into the conversation, 3daysofdesign can help strengthen not only the design industry, but also the understanding of why design matters, and its intrinsic importance in society.

Pride that permeates

Denmark is recognised the world over as a design nation, and we’re proud that 3daysofdesign is emblematic of our country’s design–minded, forward–thinking culture.

Our team spends 362 days a year planning, preparing and ensuring that our festival is an unforgettable experience. We pay attention to every detail, even the ones you never see. Everything is conceived with the utmost care. Including our initiatives to make sure that we’re available and attentive to the needs of both our exhibitors and visitors online and on the ground.

During 3daysofdesign, this sense of pride actually permeates the entire city. From shops, galleries, restaurants and cafés to the people who populate our streets, there’s an unmistakable sense of pride, generated from the energy and enthusiasm of our festival, and our exuberant celebration of design from around the world – to our world.

Our idea of success

3daysofdesign is a global design festival, not a trade fair. We’re not focused on sales. And for us, success isn’t measured in money.

What we offer our exhibitors is international exposure and opportunities. From amplifying their brand awareness and media coverage, expanding their network, and facilitating leads to navigating industry challenges, gaining insights from industry insiders, as well as learning about new methods and materials.

The question is not how many people attend or how many events take place during our festival, but what becomes possible as a result.

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See you in Copenhagen, 7 – 11 June, 2027.