Zeughausmesse for Applied Arts Berlin

Advent Fair or Art Fair?

The Zeughausmesse officially runs in November, at the beginning of Advent, which often positions it as a Christmas market alternative. In reality, however, it is more of a curated design fair than a classic Christmas market: over 80 exhibitors, including a growing number of international designers, sell exclusively self-made objects. Those looking for mulled wine revelry are in the wrong place — but anyone searching for a handmade vase, a silver ring, or a leather lamp will find more here than at any other Berlin market.

From the Zeughaus to the Kühlhaus

The name Zeughausmesse originates from the fair's early years when it was held at the Zeughaus on Unter den Linden (now home to the German Historical Museum). After several location changes, the fair has been based at KühlhausBerlin on Luckenwalder Straße in the Kreuzberg district since 2022 — a listed industrial building erected in 1903 with exposed brick walls, high ceilings, and three floors of exhibition space.

Three Prizes and a Support Program

• Prize for Applied Arts (€5,000) — for outstanding craftsmanship
• Nature Art Prize (€1,500) — for sustainable, environmentally conscious work
• Advancement Prize (€750) — for emerging designers with an innovative approach
• Frische Talente (Fresh Talents) — support program since 2023 with subsidized booth space for artists who have been working professionally for less than 5 years and have never exhibited at the fair before

What You'll Find There

Glassblowing, ceramics, leather goods, furniture design, fashion, jewelry, silversmithing, textile design, woodwork — a cross-section of applied arts in Germany and Europe. Over half of the exhibitors are regulars, bringing their loyal clientele, while the rest are selected through the application process (application deadline annually at the end of May). Prices range from small souvenirs (€15–€30) to collector's items (several thousand euros).

Kreuzberg as a Location

KühlhausBerlin is located in the Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg district, a five-minute walk from the Gleisdreieck U-Bahn station and ten minutes from Potsdamer Platz. The district is one of the capital's design hubs — just around the corner are the Park am Gleisdreieck, the German Museum of Technology, the Anhalter Bahnhof train station, and the Kreuzberg-Mitte gallery axis.