This is a very important conference, we are calling it 

Where it all Began, a Pre-Celebration

In 1929 Maria Montessori attended a very large conference held by the World Fellowship of Education in the town of Helsingør, Denmark. Maria Montessori gave many talks during the conference and also gave  courses in Montessori philosophy and pedagogic. It was here she and Mario Montessori laid the foundation for Association Montessori Internationale.

Montessori education is well-established and highly recognized in Norway, Sweden, and Finland, where it has thrived for many years. In Denmark, Montessori became less widespread — but interest in alternative learning environments and educational approaches is growing rapidly.

To also support this development, a major Nordic Montessori Conference will take place in Denmark in August 2026. The aim is to celebrate AMI’s hundred years and to create a space for knowledge sharing, networking, and inspiration across countries and professional fields — and to highlight the breadth and depth of the Montessori approach, from birth to old age.

The conference will be held at Marienlyst Strand hotel in Helsingør from August 28–30, 2026, gathering around 100 participants from across the world — including educators, researchers, parents, school leaders, healthcare professionals, and others interested in alternative and development-oriented pedagogy.

The reason we have chosen Marienlyst Hotel asthe venue is because it was here Maria and Mario Montessori stayed during the conference that lasted from 8th to the 21st August 1929. Our Nordic Montessori Conference will be held in the very environment that she and many other important educators and thinkers trod their steps. 

Program Highlights

The conference program will feature a wide range of inspiring talks, discussions, and workshops illustrating how Montessori principles can be applied in many different contexts, including:

  • Montessori for the youngest – from birth to age 3

  • Montessori in preschool and school settings

  • Experiences from establishing and running Montessori schools in Norway

  • Presentation of the latest research and meta-analyses by an international expert

  • Panel discussion with women who have founded Montessori schools from the ground up

  • Homeschooling with Montessori – a personal perspective

  • Montessori and children with special needs: autism, ADHD, school avoidance, and more

  • Transitioning from public school to Montessori – a teacher’s journey

  • Montessori in dementia care – insights from the healthcare sector

  • Montessori and sports – a fresh approach to physical education

  • How Montessori has inspired architecture and interior design around the world

In addition, the conference will host exhibitors and showcases featuring Montessori materials, furniture, and travel opportunities within the Montessori world.