From the Imperial Palace to the Congress Stage: Magdeburg combines European history with a vision of the future

As a MICE destination, the city impresses with inspiring locations and top-class infrastructure.

Evening light lies over the Elbe. The water reflects golden contours, the cathedral rises proudly and silently above the riverbank. On the opposite side of the river, behind the trees of the city park, the delicate arches of the hypar shell glow in the sun like the promise of a new era.

Contrasts create tension: Where Emperor Otto the Great and his entourage once entered in a solemn procession, today people from science, business, society, and culture gather. Magdeburg – once the "first capital of Europe" – surprises as an up-and-coming metropolis. An inspiring stage for great ideas and forward-looking encounters.

Magdeburg is rapidly becoming a sought-after MICE destination for meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions. The city on the Elbe River is centrally located in the heart of Germany, easily accessible by motorway and rail in the triangle formed by Berlin, Hanover, and Leipzig—and brimming with innovative energy.

Christopher Hesse COO of the Messe- und Veranstaltungsgesellschaft Magdeburg GmbH ( MVGM )

The company is the largest provider of conference, congress, and event locations in the more than 1,200-year-old state capital of Saxony-Anhalt. It brings together architecturally unique venues in the German-speaking region.

^{Hyparschale Magdeburg ©MVGM GmbH, Photo: Andreas Lander}

Magdeburg's newest flagship is the spectacularly renovated Hyparschale. With its free-floating ceiling structure, it opens up space for extraordinary formats. "The Hyparschale is more than a location. It is a symbol of new beginnings and creative development – ​​a true statement," Christopher Hesse enthuses, full of admiration and enthusiasm for this masterful structure.

The name "Hyparschale" sounds technical, but it describes a breathtakingly elegant shell structure made of glass and steel, designed by star architect Ulrich Müther. Light, iconic, allowing thoughts to wander freely. Architecture in the best sense of the word. "This is a visionary space for conferences, panels, and corporate events – hypar-exciting," says Hesse. The highlight of the building is the free-floating, all-encompassing ceiling structure. The glass facades offer views of the surrounding city park, the Elbe River flowing past, and the cathedral. Inside, the Hyparschale can accommodate up to 500 guests and offers state-of-the-art facilities that leave nothing to be desired.

^{St. John's Church Magdeburg ©MVGM GmbH, Photo: Andreas Lander}

Müther's modern shell structure is just one of the exciting locations in the MICE metropolis of Magdeburg. There's the medieval St. John's Church, for example: a modernly renovated event center for up to 600 guests. The domed hall in the Millennium Tower, the world's largest wooden structure of its kind, is astonishing: The "world's smartest tower" can accommodate up to 500 people.

^{Dome Hall in the Millennium Tower ©MVGM GmbH Photo: Andreas Lander}

Not to be forgotten: the large congress hall at the Magdeburg Trade Fair Center, designed for 2,314 people (theatre seating) on ​​3,600 square meters. The highlight: It can be divided into four individual rooms by soundproof walls, making it wonderfully adaptable. Visitors can easily reach Hall 2, which is identical in structure and can accommodate up to 1,158 people (classroom seating) via the covered outdoor area. The large sports and event arenas – the GETEC and AVNET Arenas – also offer a wide range of design options thanks to various rooms and boxes.

^{Magdeburg Trade Fair, Hall 2 ©MVGM GmbH, Photo: Andreas Lander}

"Magdeburg has a perfect conference infrastructure with modern hotels, a diverse range of restaurants, and a high quality of life – all at attractive prices compared to other major cities," emphasizes Christopher Hesse of MVGM: "The value for money is a real selling point – as is the cultural offering: from the Green Citadel – the last building designed and realized by art star Hundertwasser – to baroque facades, the green banks of the Elbe River, and the unique Elbauenpark with its numerous opportunities for relaxation, leisure activities, as well as incentives and team building."

With universities, Fraunhofer and Max Planck Institutes, and a growing innovation cluster, Magdeburg is also a relevant conference venue. Many organizers use this environment for interdisciplinary formats, future workshops, or science-related conferences.

Magdeburg was once the center of power of the Holy Roman Empire—the favorite palace of Otto the Great, an archbishopric, and a political and cultural center. In the modern city of Otto, this great legacy is creatively and confidently reflected in the present.

We have invested a lot in recent years – in locations, technology and service quality

Steffen Schüller Managing Director of the Messe- und Veranstaltungsgesellschaft Magdeburg GmbH ( MVGM )

Magdeburg is a city with a rich, eventful history, full of ups and downs. It has repeatedly reinvented itself and today presents itself as a modern metropolis on the Elbe River, home to interesting companies, scientific and research institutions, and a broad range of cultural and leisure activities. What makes us a hidden champion is the perfect combination of a central location in the heart of Germany with excellent transport links, both by motorway and rail. Berlin, Leipzig, and Hanover airports are within easy reach. Added to this is an excellent infrastructure within the city, with short distances and well-timed public transport – as well as our event venues, which are unique in Germany. Many people don't yet know Magdeburg as a top MICE location – but anyone who has been here is impressed by the diversity, the exciting venues such as the modernized Hyparschale or the medieval St. John's Church – and simply the special spirit of our city.

^{Magdeburg with Hundertwasserhaus, cathedral, Elbe and city park ©MVGM GmbH Photo: Andreas Lander}

We have invested heavily in recent years – in venues, technology, and service quality. Demand is steadily increasing, especially for creative, innovative, and hybrid event formats. With the further expansion of digital infrastructure, sustainable event offerings, and closer ties with science and industry, Magdeburg will play an even stronger role in the national and international conference scene.

The Stadtpark is an oasis in the middle of the city – and is also being gradually developed into a modern events center. The combination of nature, culture, and architecture creates a unique atmosphere. The Hyparschale, with its iconic post-war modernist architecture, and the neighboring Stadthalle, built in the monumental style of the 1920s, complement each other perfectly. A modern event plaza for open-air events will soon be built between them. The Stadthalle itself is currently being renovated by the state capital in accordance with listed building regulations and will be transformed into a state-of-the-art event location in the style of so-called Magdeburg Modernism by 2027. This era was significantly influenced by the masters of the Bauhaus School of Architecture and Design and is now also known under the label "New Building." The area as a whole, which also includes the Albinmüller Tower in the Stadtpark as an iconic observation tower, will offer space for social life and a wide variety of events – in an environment that promotes creativity and exchange.

The central location is a huge advantage – whether by train, car, or bus, Magdeburg is quickly and easily accessible. This saves time and money for national and international events. We are particularly well connected in the Berlin-Hanover-Leipzig triangle – and at the same time, our costs are significantly lower than those of many other major cities.

Professional organization and support at the highest level, innovative spaces with character, attractive value for money – and a city that surprises with its heart and attitude. Our mission is to bring people together and enable them to experience unforgettable moments.

^{Great Hall of the Magdeburg City Hall © gmp Architekten}

Magdeburg continues to develop into a top destination for conferences and events. A new, multifunctional event center will be built by 2027, directly on the Elbe River and the city park.

The highlight is the listed Hyparschale , which was reopened in 2024 after extensive renovation. The core of the building will be the Stadthalle , which upon completion will be one of the most modern event venues in Germany. The complex is complemented by the Observation tower and the event plaza.

The combination of architecturally outstanding buildings and modern infrastructure creates a pioneering location for conferences and cultural events in the state capital of Saxony-Anhalt.