Old exhibition grounds

The long and eventful history of the site began with its launch as an international building exhibition on May 3, 1913, followed by its rapid rise to become the world's most important trade fair, affectionately known as the "mother of all trade fairs". As a "world trade fair", it shaped the image of the city of Leipzig beyond the country's borders for decades - both structurally and in people's perception.

With the opening of the new and modern exhibition grounds on the outskirts of Leipzig in 1996, the "Alte Messe" had become obsolete as an exhibition site.

Some of the former 16 exhibition halls have since given way to new buildings, while others, which are listed, have been preserved, renovated and adapted to current functions. The Kreis domed building, for example, is now an exclusive cultural and event center as the "Eventpalast", or the double M located at the former east gate, which represents the logo of the Leipzig Sample Fair. It is reminiscent of past trade fair times and is also a popular landmark of the city.

The approximately 50-hectare site now offers numerous new uses for the development and synergies of science, health and technology.