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, the affectionately known "mother of all trade fairs". As a "world fair", it shaped the image of the city of Leipzig beyond the country's borders for decades - both in terms of its architecture and in people's perception.

With the opening of the new and modern exhibition center on the outskirts of Leipzig in 1996, the "Old Fair" had outlived its usefulness as an exhibition center.

Some of the 16 former exhibition halls have since been replaced by new buildings, while other listed buildings are being preserved, renovated and adapted to current functions. For example, the Kreis dome building, now an exclusive cultural and event center known as the "Event Palace", or the double M at the former east gate, which represents the logo of the Leipzig Trade 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 and space for development and synergies between science, health and technology.