100 Years of Messe Wien
From the World’s Fair to an International Event Venue
1873
The Origin
With the 5th World Exhibition – the first in the German-speaking region – Vienna’s journey as a trade fair and congress city began. The site in the Prater laid the foundation for future large-scale events.
1921
The First Vienna Trade Fair
The 1st Vienna Trade Fair takes place on the former World Exhibition grounds, marking the official start of trade fair operations in Vienna.
1937
Fire Disaster
A major fire destroys the legendary Rotunde, once a Vienna landmark with an 84 m-high dome. During World War II, 70 % of the trade fair buildings are damaged – the South Gate survives.
1946
A Fresh Start After the War
Just one year after the end of the war, the first post-war trade fair is held. New halls are built, and the exhibition grounds continue to expand.
1970s
Economic Engine & Public Magnet
Spring and autumn fairs attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors. Messe Wien becomes one of the most important meeting points for business, trade, and society.
1980s–1990s
Transition to a Specialized Trade Fair
Trade fair operations increasingly shift toward specialized and niche exhibitions. In 2000, the City of Vienna regains control of Wiener Messe AG.
2001–2004
New Construction & Opening
A new chapter begins: Construction of the modern Messe Wien Exhibition & Congress Center starts in 2001, based on designs by Gustav Peichl. In 2003, the first major event – the International Congress of Cardiology with 28,000 participants – takes place.
In 2004, the new venue is officially inaugurated by Federal President Dr. Thomas Klestil.
2008
Subway Connection
With the extension of the U2 line, the venue gains excellent access via two stations: „Messe-Prater“ and „Krieau“.
2013–2020
Dynamic Site Development
With the new Vienna University of Economics and Business campus (2013), the Sigmund Freud Private University (2015), and new hotels such as Hampton by Hilton, Zoku Vienna, and Superbude, a vibrant urban district with high quality of stay emerges.
Today, more than 2,300 hotel rooms are available in the immediate vicinity.
2021
A Hub for Events of All Kinds
Messe Wien Exhibition & Congress Center becomes a hub for international congresses, trade fairs, and corporate events. Flagship events such as Ferien-Messe Wien, Wohnen & Interieur, and Bauen + Wohnen rank among the country’s most attended exhibitions.
2025
The Future Is Called VIECON
Following the exit of RX Global (formerly Reed Exhibitions), the City of Vienna resumes full operational responsibility in 2025 through Wiener Messe und Congress GmbH, a subsidiary of WSE Wiener Standortentwicklung GmbH. Under the new brand VIECON – Vienna Congress & Convention Center, a new era begins: internationally oriented, digital, sustainable, and future-ready.