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The history of Koelnmesse

Koelnmesse is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2024. 100 years in which Koelnmesse has brought people and markets together worldwide. 100 years in which it has reinvented itself time and again with a visionary passion for the future. This has made the vision of Konrad Adenauer, who was the Mayor of Cologne in 1924 and later became Germany's Chancellor, of an international trade fair venue in Cologne a reality. With the awareness that even established trade fairs require constant renewal in order to remain fit for the future, Koelnmesse will continue to drive innovation and international growth without forgetting its roots.

The Koelnmesse in ten decades

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Memory box - historical artefacts from Koelnmesse

Memory box - historical artefacts from Koelnmesse

What memorabilia is hidden behind 100 years of history? In our Koelnmesse memory box, we collect historical artefacts and souvenirs that have accumulated over the years. They tell stories of the past and remind us of special moments in the history of Koelnmesse.

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Timeline

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Interviews with former employees

Crazy encounters, innovative changes and unique experiences - we asked former employees what they associate with 100 years of Koelnmesse. Klaus-Dieter Nonnenbroich, Alfred Kohlenberg, Christa Hilgers, Hans-Gerd Schilz and Heinz Schnock talk about their many years of work at Koelnmesse and report on personal highlights and unforgettable moments. With a total of 170 years of Koelnmesse experience, they take us on a journey through the development of one of the most successful trade fair companies in the world.

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100 years Koelnmesse
  • 100 years of Koelnmesse - Highlights of the ceremony
  • 100 years of Koelnmesse - ceremony in full length
  • Konrad Adenauer's dream, 100 years of reality: let's toast to Koelnmesse's journey!
  • 100 years of the Cologne Trade Fair Centre: The gateway to the world
  • 100 years of Koelnmesse: CEO Gerald Böse in conversation with the Adenauer family