The Städtische Kaufhaus is considered to be the first trade fair palace in Leipzig. It was built between 1894 and 1901 in three construction phases, with initially only the municipal library being converted and repurposed. The other ten old buildings in the square, including the old Gewandhaus, had to make way for the construction of further exhibition areas shortly afterwards. The neo-baroque architecture of these extensions was coordinated with the baroque design of the remaining old building. Architects: Rayher, Korber und Müller
