United by Queerness. The ESC Exhibition
February 19th – May 24th 2026

An exhibition on queerness, diversity,
and the Eurovision Song Contest
Opening: 18 February 2026
The Eurovision Song Contest is far more than a musical competition—it is a cultural ritual, a transnational media event, and a space of resonance for identities. No other TV show reflects European sensibilities in such a distinctive pop-cultural way.
On the occasion of the 70th Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna, Qwien – the Association for Queer History and Culture presents the exhibition UNITED BY QUEERNESS, making the queer dimensions of the ESC visible, celebrating them, and critically reflecting on them.
February 19th – May 24th 2026
February 22, 2026, 5 p.m.
Discover Vienna’s queer history on our special ESC city tours. From the State Opera and Heldenplatz to Rathausplatz, we link ESC history with queer figures who have left a lasting mark on the city’s past.
Highlights:
Udo Jürgens and the Hofburg
Prince Eugene of Savoy
Conchita Wurst and the Life Ball
The “invention” of homosexuality in Vienna
Wrap-up at the ESC Village & Red Carpet
Duration: approx. 2 hours | Languages: DE & EN | Max.: 20 people
Tickets: via Eventbrite
© WienTourismus / Julius Hirtzberger
Born in the Netherlands, former member of parliament, ESC fan since 1976, journalist for DER STANDARD, former communications manager for Conchita Wurst.
Greek born in Germany, ESC viewer since 1974, queer journalist, actor with the Nesterval theater ensemble.
Both of them run the podcast together with Sonja Riegel: Merci, Chérie.
Your donation is tax deductible and supports visibility, diversity, and queer culture.
IBAN: AT13 1200 0006 0176 6405
BIC: BKAUATWW