The Eurovision 2026 stage is ready

Austrian broadcaster ORF and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) have revealed the first video clip of the stage for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026

2,000 square meters of stage, 210 tons of material, 8,500 LEDs, two weeks of setup time...

The stage for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 is ready for the 35 countries competing. The first rehearsals inside Wiener Stadthalle will start on Saturday 2 May.

The organisers unveiled the key details of the stage design back in December. It features a modern concept built around movement, connection, and architectural inspiration.

This is the Eurovision 2026 stage! pic.twitter.com/ncA8LJeekK
— Eurovision News (@EurovisionNewZ) April 28, 2026

With a symbolic hit of the starting buzzer, Austria's president Alexander Van der Bellen opened the stage for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026.

– The Eurovision Song Contest shows how diverse our continent is. It shows what we can do and who we are, and that's a lot, said Austria's president Alexander Van der Bellen.

Alongside the Austrian president were ORF Director General Ingrid Thurnher, ORF Program Director Stefanie Groiss-Horowitz, ESC Executive Producer Michael Krön, ESC hosts Victoria Swarovski and Michael Ostrowski, and four members of the ESC team.

The stage

The highlight of the stage technology is the more than 8,500 individually controllable LEDs and 80 high-speed winches, allowing the lighting to form a kind of “light ballet”. For the first time in Eurovision Song Contest history, the lighting is based entirely on energy-efficient LED and laser technology.

The construction of the stage structure, covering around 2,000 square metres and weighing 210 tonnes, was completed in just under two weeks – partly with round-the-clock work in double shifts. At peak times, up to 300 people were involved simultaneously in building the stage and lighting system.

The Leaf

At the heart of the stage is a large, curved LED installation shaped like a leaf. It serves as the visual centrepiece of the production, reflecting themes of renewal and artistic creativity.

The Curved Line

A sweeping structure extends across the stage, designed to create a sense of flow and musical movement. It symbolises the connection between participating countries and the unity of the contest.

Structure

Framing the stage is a striking golden structure with clean, linear elements. The design draws inspiration from Vienna’s architectural heritage, adding depth and precision to the overall look.

Green Room

The Green Room will be placed inside the arena, allowing for closer interaction between artists and the audience. A dedicated walkway will connect the stage and Green Room, giving performers the opportunity to move through the crowd during the show.

ORF Director General Ingrid Thurnher praises the stage:

– What we experienced today as a sneak preview with this spectacular light show will inspire millions of viewers around the world in just a few weeks. It is phenomenal what the perfectly coordinated collaboration of countless people and crafts makes possible. Not only for the 35 acts will this be an extraordinary staging, it is also a production for ORF that is truly unique, says Ingrid Thurnher.

ORF Programme Director Stefanie Groiss-Horowitz highlights the creative vision:

– This stage combines international cutting-edge technology with phenomenal visual storytelling, while also reflecting Austrian spirit through inspiration from the Vienna Secession. It is a showcase for Austria and ORF to the entire world, says Stefanie Groiss-Horowitz.

Executive Producer Michael Krön underlines the scale of the production:

– We have been working for months on the world’s biggest TV entertainment event, and with the stage opening we have been able to give a glimpse of just how breathtaking the nine shows in the arena will be. My thanks go not only to our team, but also to our valued partners and every single person contributing to making this show possible, says Michael Krön.

Florian Wieder – a champion in stage design

The creator of the concept is the Production Designer Florian Wieder – his 10th Eurovision stage design!

It's not the first time he's gotten into stage design. In his portfolio there are a wide range of stages used for TV productions: Multiple MTV awards, "America's Got Talent," "Britain's Got Talent," as well as the Austrian versions of "Star Mania," "Dancing With the Stars," "Heroes of Tomorrow," and "The Big Chance." He's also designed stages for Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, and U2.

Florian Wieder is also the mastermind behind a total of nine Eurovision Song Contest stage designs: