The five-storey Passagen-Messehaus was built from 1912 to 1914 according to plans by the architect Theodor Kösser. The leather manufacturer Anton Mädler commissioned the construction. However, the historic Auerbachs Hof had to make way for it. However, the Auerbachs Keller inn, which became known as one of the locations in Goethe's drama "Faust", was preserved.
The Mädler Passage was originally a place where porcelain, ceramics and earthenware were sold. Today, the 140-meter-long, elegant shopping street is a real tourist magnet. In addition to exclusive shops, the Sanftwut cabaret is also located here. Together with the Königshauspassage and the Messehofpassage, the shopping mile forms a unique system of passages.