For 30 years, the new trade fair grounds in the north of Leipzig have shaped the city’s trade fair and conference location. A new chapter in Leipzig's trade fair history began here on 12 April 1996; today, this is where people from all over the world gather for trade fairs, congresses and sports and cultural events. This anniversary offers the opportunity to look back on three eventful decades – and, at the same time, to look ahead.

When the new trade fair grounds were opened 30 years ago, they were based on a far-reaching decision for the future of the Leipzig trade fair site. After the German reunification, the time of the major universal trade fairs came to an end. At the same time, the existing infrastructure no longer met the requirements of the modern trade fair business. Instead of an elaborate renovation, the idea for a new building in the north of the city emerged – with good connections to long-distance transport and the city centre.

In August 1991, the decision was made to proceed with the new building. Six months later, the architectural firm von Gerkan, Marg and Partners was awarded the contract for the design. The foundation stone was laid in 1993. Only a few years later, one of the largest infrastructure and construction projects in East Germany was completed: on 12 April 1996, the new exhibition grounds were ceremoniously opened.

From architecture to landmark

To this day, the special architecture shapes the appearance of the site. Architect Volkwin Marg’s concept was based on a clear, metrically constructed composition – comparable to a score by Johann Sebastian Bach.

Its widely visible centrepiece is the glass hall. 25,000 square metres of glass span the 30-metre high, 238-metre long and 80-metre wide building. It is surrounded by five exhibition halls, the Congress Centre Leipzig and the Leipziger Messe administration building. Glass tubes connect the buildings, which can be used independently of each other at the same time. It also features 111,900 square metres of covered exhibition space and 70,000 square metres of open space.

Contemporary art and the embedding of the buildings in a park landscape complement the architecture. The site combines the art of construction and engineering with the art of landscaping and gardening. The glass hall has long become a landmark in Leipzig.

A new place for trade fairs, conferences and events

Even the first few months showed the possibilities of the new site. 255,000 visitors flocked to the new halls for the Auto Mobil International (AMI). In the first year, around 1.4 million guests attended trade fairs, conferences and events on the site.

In the years that followed, new trade and consumer fairs were launched or brought to Leipzig. Events such as HAUS-GARTEN-FREIZEIT, Hobbymesse Leipzig, HANDWERK live, Leipzig Veterinary Congress, denkmal, CADEAUX Leipzig, Intec and therapie LEIPZIG are examples of this trend. The Leipzig Book Fair builds on its long tradition and, together with the “Leipzig liest” reading festival, is an annual highlight for the sector.

New formats and target groups were also added. In 2002, the Games Convention started, and in 2014, the Manga Comic Con started for the first time, running alongside the Leipzig Book Fair. Guest operators also use the facilities: the tourism, caravanning and agricultural exhibition agra switched to the new exhibition grounds.

A boost for the Leipzig conference location

With the opening of the exhibition grounds, a new chapter for the international conference business in Leipzig began in 1996. The Congress Centre Leipzig (CCL) was opened as one of Europe’s most modern conference centres. Its 23 multifunctional venues and rooms can accommodate up to 3,700 participants. Together with the adjacent exhibition halls, the capacity can be expanded to well in excess of 10,000 conference participants.

In its very first year, the CCL welcomed more than 56,000 participants to specialist conferences. For example, the OECD International Transport Forum has organised its Annual Summit here since 2008.

Close connections with Leipzig and the region

The development of the exhibition grounds extends far beyond its halls and event rooms. The economic significance for the region was already demonstrated in its first year: hotels and restaurants, craft businesses, service providers and retailers benefited from the guests and events.

This connection between trade fair, city and region was already evident when it first opened. On 12 April 1996, 2,500 international guests experienced the opening ceremony. Federal President Roman Herzog gave the opening speech and the Gewandhaus Orchestra led by Kurt Masur provided musical support in the Glashalle.

30 years – and still looking ahead

At the age of 30, the Leipzig exhibition grounds are among the youngest in Germany. It is important that we maintain this advantage. Investments in on-site and digital infrastructure and modern service offerings as well as the continuous further development of the event portfolio through new formats, acquisitions and partnerships lay the groundwork for this.

The anniversary is therefore not just a reason to look back. It also represents the continuous further development of a place that has brought people, industries and concepts together for three decades – thus providing impetus for Leipzig, Saxony and Central Germany.

Exhibition: “30 years of new exhibition grounds – A place to meet. A space for the future.”

The anniversary will be accompanied by the specifically designed exhibition “30 years of new exhibition grounds – A place to meet. A space for the future.” It tells the history of the Leipzig trade fair – from its medieval origins to the modern trade fair and congress location. The six themed displays designed as mobile exhibitions show how the trade fair has developed over centuries and what significance it has today for Leipzig and the entire region. It also traces key milestones over three decades and invites you to rediscover familiar aspects of Leipziger Messe – and also to get to know lesser-known stories.

The anniversary exhibition made its debut at the summer party of the Minister-President of Saxony, in the KONGRESSHALLE at Leipzig Zoo. It was subsequently on display at the Messehaus, the administrative building of Leipziger Messe. Finally, it returned to Leipzig city centre, where it remained on display at the Höfe am Brühl until 24 October 2026.

Here you can view the digital version of our anniversary exhibition.