Messe Frankfurt GmbH - The Company - History of Messe Frankfurt: local , regional, global

History of Messe Frankfurt: local, regional, global

Frankfurt is the world's oldest trade fair city. Throughout the centuries, starting at the time of Emperor Frederick, who in the year 1240 helped establish trade fairs in the free city Frankenfurth, the Messe Frankfurt has developed into a corporation operating on a global scale. On the journey into the 21st century, one will find events "made by the Messe Frankfurt" around the world.

12th century: The beginning of trade fairs

Historically speaking, the city of Frankfurt am Main was founded in the year 794. City rights were directly associated with market rights. Local markets developed into a regional annual fair. Eliezer ben Nathan, a prominent rabbi from the nearby city of Mainz, made mention of the Frankfurt trade fair in his 12th century writings "Ewen ha Ézer". The Frankfurt autumn fair is first mentioned during the Assumption holiday in the year 1150. The autumn fair is believed to have had its origin in the 11th century as a harvest fair. At this time, agriculture productivity was reaching new heights, leading to the first large-scale surpluses.

13th century: The document of Ascoli

"We, Frederick, God-chosen Roman emperor, King of Jerusalem and Sicily, hereby make known to the world by way of this writ that we, in unity and each as individuals, will provide special protection for each and every person travelling to the fairs of Frankfurt. We demand that no person shall be hindered or harassed in any form during his or her travels to and from the fairs. If anyone should dare to counteract this demand, let it be known that this person shall reap the wrath of Our Majesty. Our Majesty's seal shall serve as assurance for the commands of this document."

The 11th of July, 1240
Emperor Frederick II officially inaugurated the Frankfurt trade fair on the 11 th of July, 1240. The Free City of Frankenfurth was declared the world's first trade fair city by way of imperial privilege. The fair privilege for Frankfurt was signed by the liberal-minded Staufer during the siege of Ascoli.

14th century: spring in Frankfurt

Wine, wool and the products of a winter's diligence are best sold during Lent. Hence, on 23 April 1330, Ludwig the Bavarian issued an official privilege granting a Frankfurt spring fair. The Frankfurt trade fair experienced its first boom between 1330 and 1400 during the reign of Ludwig the Bavarian and Karl the Fourth. Lübeck herring, furs from the Baltics, oriental spices, Flemish lace and fabric, Chinese silk, glassware from Venice, jewels, construction timber, Tirolean rose wreaths and horses were some of the main goods traded at that time.

15th century: banks, bourse, books
The development of the currency and credit business during the Middle Ages was a direct result of the trade fairs. It laid the foundation for the bank and stock market trade. Cultural developments also came to light during this time: the first book fair is held in Frankfurt in 1480. The Frankfurt trade fairs of the 14th century offer not only consumer and luxury goods but an increasing number of manuscripts, composed by monks. Geschichte - 15Jh.

Trade and monetary transactions emerged hand in hand during the trade fairs. The fact that dealers could only pay for wares once they had sold their own, made necessary a credit agreement in the form of mutual exchanges. One can go so far as to say that the trade fair determined exchange rates. In 1445, Gutenberg invents the art of movable-character printing. The trade of printed books begins, and in 1480 the book fair is declared an official function in its own right. At the turn of the century, Frankfurt had become the centre of German and European book printing.

16th century: A new surge

The second surge of the trade fair during the 16th century was characterised by growing internationalism. In the 16th and at the beginning of the 17th century, the Frankfurt trade fair flourished thanks to the influx of foreign-based traders - primarily those coming from the neighbouring Netherlands.
Books, silk and jewels represented the most popular merchandise, as did the blossoming currency exchange. The names of numerous streets and squares show just how much the Messe Frankfurt has influenced the cityscape over the centuries: Rossmarkt (horse market), Kornmarkt (seed market), Buchgasse (book alley) and Weckmarkt (bread market). The houses of traders from throughout Europe enrich Frankfurt's architectural landscape.
The freedoms of travel and trade and the guarantee of protection from judicial prosecution were not negotiable during the trade fair periods. Each person could dress, arm, move and do as he - or she - pleased.

Crises, conflicts, and catastrophies
The Thirty Years' War brings trade to a standstill. Severe epidemics hinder trade and traffic. The censorship introduced in Mainz brings about a considerable decline in the book fair since the end of the 17th century, causing it to move to Leipzig.

18th century: Freedom suffers

During the 18th and 19th century, Frankfurt is repeatedly the scene of armed melees between rival princes and lords. The city is occupied and loses its free-city status. Leipzig refuses to join the German Customs Union, helping it prosper as the a trade fair centre whilst Frankfurt loses much of its significance as trade fair city.

19th century: Banks and the exchange on the rise

The occupation by the French continues, trade restrictions and new customs regulations once again bring the trade fair business to a standstill. At the century's halfway mark, Frankfurt emerges as a banking and exchange centre and, after the foundation of the German empire in 1871, finds itself under Prussian rule. The revitalised leather and horse fairs attract numerous fair visitors.

20th century: From Frankfurt on to the world
The Frankfurt fair corporation is re-established in 1907. Two years later, the international aeronautical transport exhibition is held at the Frankfurt trade fair. Over 1.5 million people visit the fair over a period of 99 days. In 1911, the Festhalle opens its gates to the public for the very first time. The glass and steel structure was Europe's largest self-supporting dome construction at that time. Now, she stands as the "Grande Dame" of the Frankfurt trade fair lanscape and its architectural modernity. Geschichte - die Festhalle

A brief intermezzo

The Messe Frankfurt was reopened in 1919. Nine years later, Frankfurt hosted what seemed then to be its final spring fair. The world economic crisis and the Leipzig-oriented trade fair policies favoured by the National Socialists shattered Frankfurt's fair business.

A new beginning in autumn

The destruction of the two world wars was immense. Ninety-five percent of the fair grounds were destroyed. But Frankfurt's mayor Kolb announced as early as July 1946: "Frankfurt will be a fair city once again." On October 3rd, 1948, this claim became reality. The autumn fair is opened for an international and professional gallery. The first "DM fair" is an instant and huge success. A total of 1,171 foreign and domestic exhibitors present their wares on over 60,000 sqm exhibition space, over 600 million Deutschmarks exchange hands.

Economic upsurge

The Frankfurt fair landscape undergoes widespread architectural changes, the Messe's road to financial recovery is marked by extensive construction measures: the rebuilding of the Festhalle and the construction of halls 3, 5, 6, 7 and 8 reestablish Frankfurt as a spacious exhibition centre, located in the very heart of Europe. The first large-scale specialty fairs take shape soon afterwards. In 1959, the first international specialty trade show is held in Frankfurt, the "interstoff".

Cause for celebration

The Messe Frankfurt celebrated its 750th anniversary in 1990. This extraordinay occasion brings out the best in the Messe Frankfurt, the centre for European exhibitions, now more significant and international than ever.

Frankfurt worldwide

Today, the Messe Frankfurt stands at the beginning of a new era. The corporation is being represented on a global scale by trade fairs in Asia, North and South America and eastern Europe featuring the Frankfurt versions of textile, transportation, technology and consumer-goods exhibitions.

The route into the 21st century

Internationalism, competence and first-class service will continue to be the most important quality characteristics of Frankfurt trade shows. That is why the Messe Frankfurt is planning several large-scale investments so as to further improve its service offers: the expansion of ground-level exhibition space, the opening-up of new business areas, the continuing development of leading industry fairs in Frankfurt and around the world. Additionally, the Messe Frankfurt strives to continuously improve its service quality by way of constant performance optimisation.

Exhibition grounds: Halls for all kind of events
The business units of Messe Frankfurt group
The company at a glance: facts and figures

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12th century: The beginning of trade fairs
Historically speaking, the city of Frankfurt am Main was founded in the year 794. City rights were directly associated with market rights. Local markets developed into a regional annual fair. Eliezer ben Nathan, a prominent rabbi from the nearby city of Mainz, made mention of the Frankfurt trade fair in his 12th century writings "Ewen ha Ézer". The Frankfurt autumn fair is first mentioned during the Assumption holiday in the year 1150. The autumn fair is believed to have had its origin in the 11th century as a harvest fair. At this time, agriculture productivity was reaching new heights, leading to the first large-scale surpluses.

13th century: The document of Ascoli
"We, Frederick, God-chosen Roman emperor, King of Jerusalem and Sicily, hereby make known to the world by way of this writ that we, in unity and each as individuals, will provide special protection for each and every person travelling to the fairs of Frankfurt. We demand that no person shall be hindered or harassed in any form during his or her travels to and from the fairs. If anyone should dare to counteract this demand, let it be known that this person shall reap the wrath of Our Majesty. Our Majesty's seal shall serve as assurance for the commands of this document."

		The 11th of July, 1240 Emperor Frederick II officially inaugurated the Frankfurt trade fair on the 11 th of July, 1240. The Free City of Frankenfurth was declared the world's first trade fair city by way of imperial privilege. The fair privilege for Frankfurt was signed by the liberal-minded Staufer during the siege of Ascoli.

14th century: spring in Frankfurt
Wine, wool and the products of a winter's diligence are best sold during Lent. Hence, on 23 April 1330, Ludwig the Bavarian issued an official privilege granting a Frankfurt spring fair. The Frankfurt trade fair experienced its first boom between 1330 and 1400 during the reign of Ludwig the Bavarian and Karl the Fourth. Lübeck herring, furs from the Baltics, oriental spices, Flemish lace and fabric, Chinese silk, glassware from Venice, jewels, construction timber, Tirolean rose wreaths and horses were some of the main goods traded at that time.

15th century: banks, bourse, books The development of the currency and credit business during the Middle Ages was a direct result of the trade fairs. It laid the foundation for the bank and stock market trade. Cultural developments also came to light during this time: the first book fair is held in Frankfurt in 1480. The Frankfurt trade fairs of the 14th century offer not only consumer and luxury goods but an increasing number of manuscripts, composed by monks.


Trade and monetary transactions emerged hand in hand during the trade fairs. The fact that dealers could only pay for wares once they had sold their own, made necessary a credit agreement in the form of mutual exchanges. One can go so far as to say that the trade fair determined exchange rates. In 1445, Gutenberg invents the art of movable-character printing. The trade of printed books begins, and in 1480 the book fair is declared an official function in its own right. At the turn of the century, Frankfurt had become the centre of German and European book printing.

16th century: A new surge
The second surge of the trade fair during the 16th century was characterised by growing internationalism. In the 16th and at the beginning of the 17th century, the Frankfurt trade fair flourished thanks to the influx of foreign-based traders - primarily those coming from the neighbouring Netherlands. Books, silk and jewels represented the most popular merchandise, as did the blossoming currency exchange. The names of numerous streets and squares show just how much the Messe Frankfurt has influenced the cityscape over the centuries: Rossmarkt (horse market), Kornmarkt (seed market), Buchgasse (book alley) and Weckmarkt (bread market). The houses of traders from throughout Europe enrich Frankfurt's architectural landscape. The freedoms of travel and trade and the guarantee of protection from judicial prosecution were not negotiable during the trade fair periods. Each person could dress, arm, move and do as he - or she - pleased.

		Crises, conflicts, and catastrophies The Thirty Years' War brings trade to a standstill. Severe epidemics hinder trade and traffic. The censorship introduced in Mainz brings about a considerable decline in the book fair since the end of the 17th century, causing it to move to Leipzig.

18th century: Freedom suffers
During the 18th and 19th century, Frankfurt is repeatedly the scene of armed melees between rival princes and lords. The city is occupied and loses its free-city status. Leipzig refuses to join the German Customs Union, helping it prosper as the a trade fair centre whilst Frankfurt loses much of its significance as trade fair city.

19th century: Banks and the exchange on the rise
The occupation by the French continues, trade restrictions and new customs regulations once again bring the trade fair business to a standstill. At the century's halfway mark, Frankfurt emerges as a banking and exchange centre and, after the foundation of the German empire in 1871, finds itself under Prussian rule. The revitalised leather and horse fairs attract numerous fair visitors.

20th century: From Frankfurt on to the world The Frankfurt fair corporation is re-established in 1907. Two years later, the international aeronautical transport exhibition is held at the Frankfurt trade fair. Over 1.5 million people visit the fair over a period of 99 days. In 1911, the Festhalle opens its gates to the public for the very first time. The glass and steel structure was Europe's largest self-supporting dome construction at that time. Now, she stands as the "Grande Dame" of the Frankfurt trade fair lanscape and its architectural modernity.

A brief intermezzo
The Messe Frankfurt was reopened in 1919. Nine years later, Frankfurt hosted what seemed then to be its final spring fair. The world economic crisis and the Leipzig-oriented trade fair policies favoured by the National Socialists shattered Frankfurt's fair business.

A new beginning in autumn
The destruction of the two world wars was immense. Ninety-five percent of the fair grounds were destroyed. But Frankfurt's mayor Kolb announced as early as July 1946: "Frankfurt will be a fair city once again." On October 3rd, 1948, this claim became reality. The autumn fair is opened for an international and professional gallery. The first "DM fair" is an instant and huge success. A total of 1,171 foreign and domestic exhibitors present their wares on over 60,000 sqm exhibition space, over 600 million Deutschmarks exchange hands.

Economic upsurge
The Frankfurt fair landscape undergoes widespread architectural changes, the Messe's road to financial recovery is marked by extensive construction measures: the rebuilding of the Festhalle and the construction of halls 3, 5, 6, 7 and 8 reestablish Frankfurt as a spacious exhibition centre, located in the very heart of Europe. The first large-scale specialty fairs take shape soon afterwards. In 1959, the first international specialty trade show is held in Frankfurt, the "interstoff".

Cause for celebration
The Messe Frankfurt celebrated its 750th anniversary in 1990. This extraordinay occasion brings out the best in the Messe Frankfurt, the centre for European exhibitions, now more significant and international than ever.

Frankfurt worldwide
Today, the Messe Frankfurt stands at the beginning of a new era. The corporation is being represented on a global scale by trade fairs in Asia, North and South America and eastern Europe featuring the Frankfurt versions of textile, transportation, technology and consumer-goods exhibitions.

The route into the 21st century
Internationalism, competence and first-class service will continue to be the most important quality characteristics of Frankfurt trade shows. That is why the Messe Frankfurt is planning several large-scale investments so as to further improve its service offers: the expansion of ground-level exhibition space, the opening-up of new business areas, the continuing development of leading industry fairs in Frankfurt and around the world. Additionally, the Messe Frankfurt strives to continuously improve its service quality by way of constant performance optimisation.

Exhibition grounds: Halls for all kind of events The business units of Messe Frankfurt group The company at a glance: facts and figures