In the face of major challenges and uncertainty in the construction industry, BAU - the world's leading trade fair for architecture, materials and systems - is presenting itself as a beacon of hope for the sector. Despite the show being shortened by one day, the fully booked Messe München trade fair center welcomed more than 180,000 visitors from January 13-17 (2023: 190,000), who had the opportunity to experience the innovations and trends presented by 2230 exhibitors (2023: 2260) from 58 countries (2023: 49 countries). In addition to more countries represented, the share of international exhibitors reached a new record of 52 percent.
At the outset, expectations for BAU 2025 were tempered by difficult economic conditions. However, the response from both exhibitors and visitors was clearly positive. BAU gives courage and confidence, especially in these times
- says Dr. Reinhard Pfeiffer, CEO of Messe München, summing up BAU 2025.
Dieter Schäfer, chairman of the BAU advisory board, is also very pleased:
BAU 2025 has sent a strong signal to the construction industry. Despite difficult conditions, the sector is proving its ability for future growth through innovation, change and dynamism. The fair brings fresh impetus and strengthens the exchanges that are essential for sustainable growth and progress. Together, we are shaping the construction world of tomorrow.
BAU 2025 World Fair in Munich
© Copyright 2025, Messe Muenchen GmbH, all rights reserved.
BAU demonstrates resilience and inspires confidence in the construction industry
Felix Pakleppa, managing director of the Central Association of the German Construction Industry (ZDB), confirms BAU's role as the industry's leading event:
With key themes such as transformation, homes of the future, and resource and climate protection, BAU 2025 once again provides groundbreaking ideas for the future of construction. It remains a key platform for manufacturers, planners and the construction industry to drive progress together.
BAU 2025 focused on key themes such as "resilient, climate-friendly construction," "city/rural/urban district transformation," "resource efficiency," "modularity, serialization, productivity," and "economic construction."
These themes capture the current mood of the industry, says Andrea Gebhard, president of the Federal Chamber of Architects:
This year's BAU showed that sustainability is no longer just a goal, but a guideline for our actions. From innovative building materials and digital planning processes to integrated approaches to urban spaces, the variety and quality of the solutions on display are impressive and must continue to receive strong support from the government, given their importance in shaping society.
BAU exhibition director Matthias Strauss thanks his team for the outstanding results:
Despite the difficult situation in the industry, we were able to achieve success together at BAU 2025. Congratulations to all colleagues!
BAU 2025 World Fair in Munich
© Messe München GmbH
More than 50 percent participation from international exhibitors
For the first time in BAU's more than 60-year history, international companies accounted for more than half of all exhibitors. 52 percent of the 2,230 exhibitors came from outside Germany.
In addition to Germany, the countries most represented on the exhibitor side at BAU 2025 were: Italy, China, Turkey, Austria, Poland, Belgium, Switzerland, Spain, the Netherlands and Greece.
On the visitor side, the trend from 2023 continued, with high levels of international participation. During the previous edition, the share of international visitors was 40 percent. This year it reached 44 percent. In addition to Germany, visitor countries were dominated by Austria, Italy, Switzerland, Poland, Turkey, China, Romania, the Czech Republic, Spain and Croatia.
BAU 2025 World Fair in Munich
© Copyright 2025, Messe Muenchen GmbH, all rights reserved.
exhibitors and visitors give top marks
The fair's success is reflected in a survey conducted by the Gelszus research institute, in which 95 percent of exhibitors rated the fair as good or excellent. 91 percent considered it an appropriate trade show event. 94 percent of exhibitors rated the quality of the event highly, and 91 percent rated its international character.
Visitors also gave BAU 2025 top marks, with 97 percent of respondents rating the fair as good or excellent.
BAU 2025 World Fair in Munich
© Copyright 2025, Messe Muenchen GmbH, all rights reserved
accompanying program: special shows and award ceremonies
Five key themes were present not only in the exhibition areas, but also at specialized forums and special shows. In addition, renowned architects such as Carlo Ratti, Satoshi Ohashi, Verena von Beckerath and Elisabeth Endres gave talks at the "Future of Construction" forum.
The construction industry's innovation was also evident at the awards ceremony. Competitions such as "Built on IT - construction professions with a future," the Balthasar Neumann Award and the BAKA Award recognized their winners in Munich.
Founders Fight Night, a competition for start-ups, also debuted during BAU. Companies presented their products in a boxing ring, and the winner was determined by audience applause.
The next edition of BAU will be held in Munich from January 11-15, 2027. Already in 2026 (March 24-26), digitalBAU will be held in Cologne, presenting solutions and products from the construction software sector.
