Review: World Children’s Cancer Day 2026 – “Cells as Power Plants” exhibition at the Römerhallen in Frankfurt

On the occasion of International Childhood Cancer Day 2026, we, the Frankfurt Foundation for Children with Cancer, together with many dedicated partners, had the privilege of opening the exhibition “Zell:Zwei / Teil mich” (Cell:Two / Divide Me) – Cells as Powerhouses in the Römerhallen (Schwanenhallen) in Frankfurt. From 21 to 23 February 2026, the Römer became a special place where science, art and education came together in an impressive way.

Pupils from several schools in Frankfurt presented artworks, installations and video projects created as part of an interdisciplinary educational project. Accompanied by artists, dedicated teachers and scientists from our foundation, they explored the world of cells, cell division and insights into childhood cancer research in depth – and transformed this knowledge into surprising, moving and scientifically inspired works.

There was a lot going on in the Roman Halls: visitors were particularly enthusiastic about a walk-in cell built by the organisers, a spectacular marble run, an incredibly creative stop-motion film accompanied by music from the Ensemble Modern, installations and lots of great pictures that brought the topics of cell division, swarm behaviour and cell structures to life in a new and tangible way. The microscopy station, where children and adults could discover cancer cells for themselves, and a hands-on activity were also very popular. Children were particularly attracted to a wheel of fortune, where 1,200 Lego sets were raffled off – the children’s eyes lit up.

The exhibition was held under the patronage of Mayor Mike Josef, represented by Councillor Ina Hauck, who praised the project as an inspiring example of how art and science can work together to create new approaches to complex topics, thereby promoting knowledge, empathy and understanding.

We would like to thank all participating students for their curiosity, creativity and commitment, as well as everyone involved in making this project possible: Adriane Westerbarkey (artistic director), Julius Bockelt (idea & concept), Elena Osmann (artist), Ilka Treber (biology teacher), Thekla Kulik, Frankfurt Foundation for Children with Cancer, scientists from the foundation and all partners from schools, the arts and science, as well as all sponsors. The exhibition impressively demonstrated how important such meeting places are – and how valuable it is to work together to raise awareness of research and the situation of children with cancer and their families.

Photo: Karin Berneburg Photography and Frankfurt Foundation for Children with Cancer