From “Messeplatz” to “Messe-Quartier”

MCH Group has launched a new concept to revitalise Basel's Messeplatz and the cultural activities of Basel in general. Under the name "Messe-Quartier Basel", or MQ for short, an urban experience hub for young and old is being created where events, exhibitions, sport facilities and culinary delights are offered throughout the year.

The German Quartier means neighbourhood or district. The Messe-Quartier Basel (MQ) is a comprehensive concept for activating the use of the halls and revitalising the public spaces in and around the Messe Basel buildings. Roman Imgrüth, CEO Exhibitions & Events at MCH Group, puts it as follows: “Together with regional, national and international partners, the MQ is to become a new hotspot for entertainment, education and enjoyment. The programme will be curated in such a way that the MQ becomes a multi- and intercultural experience for young and old.”

The halls and their surroundings offer ideal conditions for people to meet up, spend time together or engage in sporting activities all year round. By definition, our buildings and their infrastructure are designed to welcome and cater for a large number of visitors. This makes the MQ an ideal venue all year round for concerts, corporate events, exhibitions, sporting events, shows and local, regional and national public exhibitions – regardless of size or focus. In addition, the existing culinary offering will be expanded and visitors will be offered a wide range of international cuisine 365 days a year.

“With the MQ initiative, we want to utilise our infrastructure and create new publicity-generating offers for Basel that complement our core business.”

Roman Imgrüth, CEO Exhibitions & Events

Roman Imgrüth explains how the idea for the Messequartier came about and how the project team was put together: “As the anchor shareholder of MCH Group, the City of Basel has given us a clear mandate to generate more added value for businesses and the people in the Basel region. Several initiatives have been launched to this end. While some initiatives, such as the acquisition of international guest exhibitions, are centred around our core business (trade fairs & congresses), we are also trying to break new ground. With the MQ initiative, we want to utilise our infrastructure and create new publicity-generating offers for Basel that complement our core business.”

Some projects are already at an advanced stage of conceptualisation or are close to completion. Shortly after the media event that announced “Marvel: Universe of Superheroes – The Exhibition”, the website for the MQ also went live.