Munich celebrates craftsmanship with head, hand, and heart!
Until March 8, 2026, the International Crafts Fair (IHM) will take place alongside "Crafts and Design," "Garden Munich," and the "FOOD & LIFE" special exhibition: INNOVATION WINS!, Head, Hand, Heart!, EXEMPLAmünchen!
From March 4 to 8, 2026, daily from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Messe München (West Entrance) - Prices and ticket information (see below) (DEUTSCH)
Munich. The International Crafts Fair is a
central meeting point for industry players, offering insights into
modern craft technologies and featuring special exhibitions on interior
design and handcrafted design. Around 800 exhibitors will showcase the
creations of craftsmanship in five halls from March 4 to 8, 2026,
offering a wealth of highlights. Ingenuity and a keen sense for current
trends are demonstrated by, among others, the exhibitors of the special
exhibition INNOVATION WINS! (Hall C1), the special exhibition Head,
Hand, Heart, which opens up extraordinary access routes to craftsmanship
(Hall B2), the new faces of "Crafts & Design" (Hall B1), the
vibrant workshops of the special exhibition EXEMPLAmünchen (Hall B1),
the start-ups of FOOD & LIFE (Hall B3), and the outdoor designers of
Garten München (Hall C2). Logo of the International Crafts Fair: blue
and orange frame with stylized initials and lettering.
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| Street art - without KI – what's being painted here can be seen in real life at the trade fair! Leon Keer during his 3D street art painting project for "The Art of Deception" at the Fünf Höfe shopping center in Munich. Leon Keer without KI: 3D-Streetart-Mal-Aktion für die "Kunst der Täuschung" in den Fünf Höfen in München, Photo: Helga Waess (Pressfotoarchiv) |
Innovation & Aesthetics – Craftsmanship for all the senses: The highlights of IHM 2026
Here, forms, materials, and ideas are transformed into products of the future: From carpenters and mechatronics engineers to master confectioners, 60 trades from 40 countries present their skills at the International Crafts Fair and its accompanying events.
When parking lots become power plants
This innovation answers not only the question of what is needed, but also where. The company Thofehrn from Langenhagen, Lower Saxony, is turning parking lots into power sources. The modular PV carport system generates energy directly where it is needed, e.g., for electric cars, e-bikes, or buildings. It can also be used on parking spaces and patios, thus utilizing areas that are already built upon. In addition to the product, the company also provides planning, permitting, assembly, and commissioning. An idea to make your home smarter (Booth C1.428 B).
Light, heat & cooling in one – that's multifunctionality
Whether it's cold, heat, or darkness, the Clight technology developed in Konstanz provides a solution. This multifunctional ceiling light combines lighting, heating, cooling, and dehumidification in a single system. The solution reduces installation effort, lowers costs, and enables the efficient use of modern heat pumps, especially in new construction and renovations. Furthermore, the modernly designed multifunctional unit also impresses with its appearance (C1.428 H).
What sets craftsmanship in motion
BMX riders performing fascinating stunts – but first, craftsmanship is essential. At booth C1.443, Andreas Schützenberger, Europe's most successful skate ramp builder, will take visitors into his exciting world. How is a skate ramp constructed? What tools are needed? On Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, BMX professionals will demonstrate from 12:00 to 12:20 pm and from 2:00 to 2:20 pm the athletic achievements that arise from the foundation of this craft.
Solid & Dynamic – Swings from the Berchtesgaden Region
Let yourself fall and drift with the wind: The owners of the brand and design agency Bunsen & Bunsen moved from the big city to the mountains and showcase this dynamic change in their swing project. Since 2017, the team from the Berchtesgaden region has been building durable swings made from wood that has been air-dried for at least ten years. The swing ropes are spliced, and the swing seat is installed without a single knot. At the special exhibition "Head, Hand, Heart" by Bayern Design Connects, Andreas Bunsen offers insights into the creation of the handcrafted swing made of solid oak (B2.310).
Interior Design in 3D
Interior design also benefits from state-of-the-art technology. For example, computational designer Simon Vorhammer and carpentry workshop Josef Obermaier present "Form Fields"—algorithmically designed wall panels. They demonstrate how complex 3D reliefs are created from data models and how the digital designs are transferred to different materials using CNC technology and traditional knowledge (B2.310). The company Hindrucker presents designs and accessories from the 3D printer (B2.120).
When old things shine in a new light
Upcycling that combines utility and art: At InnowerkCreations, unique light sources are created from long-discarded objects. With meticulous attention to detail, old objects are transformed into new lighting elements – entirely according to the owner's design, color preferences, and style. During the day, the unique piece becomes a sculpture or an eye-catcher. At night, the lighting serves better than other visual elements to create atmosphere in living or working spaces (New Faces 2026 at «Handwerk & Design», B1.702).
EXEMPLA Munich: Craftsmanship with a Sense of Purpose
Craftsmanship combines technical expertise with a deep understanding of materials and a strong sense of responsibility. A prime example of this is the cold-cured brick made from 100% recycled bricks by Leipfinger-Bader. In Germany, more than 200 million tons of construction waste are generated annually. In 2020, Leipfinger-Bader became the first brick manufacturer in Germany to commission its own recycling plant for demolition bricks. At EXEMPLA Munich 2026, the company will present, among other things, a masonry brick for interior wall construction made entirely from recycled brick material. In the company's own recycling plant, brick remnants are mechanically processed, separated from the insulation material, crushed, and mixed with a special binder. This cold-cured brick therefore requires no energy-intensive firing process (B1.460)
Food Trends: Between Tradition and Revolution
The latest gastronomic innovations combine healthy eating with exquisite taste experiences in an uncomplicated way. For example, DailyFred presents its freeze-dried food products in the form of snacks, muesli, and shakes in the start-up area (B3.907). The start-up NAYPA FOODS also focuses on a healthy, organic snack made from dried fruits from Africa (B3.915). Meanwhile, Tufo presents a gourmet revolution with its truffle sauce, transforming an ordinary burger into haute cuisine (B3.945). With its impressive history and unique recipe, the royal Salzwedel Baumkuchen (tree cake) makes its debut at FOOD & LIFE, showcasing its traditional product for the first time (B3.131).
Self-sufficiency, animal husbandry & futuristic garden design
Whether as a hobby, a passion for organic quality, or a contrast to the digital world: your own garden and balcony become an idyllic retreat, and gardening a new favorite pastime. A diverse range of exhibitors at Garten München (Garden Munich) offer inspiration for raised beds, whether for the garden or small city balconies. For example, Willab Garden provides tips on urban gardening (C2.233). Fittingly, Omlet (C2.219) presents a walk-in chicken coop for a mini-farm in your own garden.
The motto of IHM 2026: "With craftsmanship, we are shaping Germany's future":
The Bavarian Minister-President Dr. Markus Söder opened the International Crafts Fair (IHM) 2026 - IHM from March 4th to 8th, 2026 at the Munich Trade Fair Center (ENGLISH, ITALIAN, FRENCH, GERMAN)
CURRENT TRADE FAIRS IN MUNICH
concurrently from March 4th to 8th, 2026
- International Crafts Fair (IHM)
- "Crafts and Design",
- "Garden Munich"
FOOD & LIFE
- from March 4th to 8th, 2026
- daily from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- at the Munich Trade Fair Center (West Entrance)
- Tickets cost €17 online (or €11 with discounts for, e.g., seniors, students, etc.)
- available at: www.ihm.de/tickets
- Free admission for children up to and including 12 years of age.
- Discounted afternoon tickets are available online from 2:00 PM for €10.
Information: Press release from the organizer
