Poznań International Fair

The Poznań International Fair (MTP) is a leading trade fair center in Poland and Central-Eastern Europe, operating since 1921. Located in a strategic position between Warsaw and Berlin, the venue boasts extensive exhibition grounds that include 16 pavilions and 81 conference halls. MTP attracts a huge number of visitors and exhibitors, drawing 850,000 attendees in 2018 alone. The value of MTP lies not only in its business events but also in its rich architectural heritage. The Upper Silesian Tower, built in 1911, became one of the symbols of the fair and was designed by German architect Hans Poelzig, a proponent of early modernist aesthetics. After World War II, the tower was replaced by the openwork Iglica (Spire), which also became a symbol of the fair and was constructed using fragments of the original structure. Additionally, the Trade Palace and the Administrative Building, constructed in 1924, stand out with their classical Empire-style architecture. The fair experienced a boom in the 1920s, but its development was brutally interrupted by World War II, which destroyed 85% of the fairgrounds. During the communist era in Poland, the venue took on additional functions, hosting exhibitions from various industrial sectors. MTP plays an important role in Polish culture, welcoming a wide range of events—from cosmetics fairs and art exhibitions to events focused on new technologies. It is here that annual events such as the Poznań Marathon and the International Purebred Dog Show take place. Among interesting facts, MTP serves as a meeting place for numerous international organizations and industries, contributing to its growing prestige on the international stage. Thanks to its history, architecture, and diverse events, the Poznań International Fair remains a significant landmark on the map of Poland and Europe.