Messeplatz

The Messeplatz in Basel's Rosental district forms the economic heart of Kleinbasel. A major transportation hub, it connects Grossbasel with Riehen, the Badischer Bahnhof, and the German border region. The area is defined by the halls of the Mustermesse Basel, the striking Messeturm with the Hotel Hyperion, and the new Messehalle 1, designed by the firm Herzog & de Meuron. Here you'll experience a mix of urban architecture and bustling activity, while the words Messe Basel are spelled out in giant letters on the asphalt.

The history of the site is closely tied to the railroad. After the old Badischer Bahnhof was relocated in the early 20th century, the freed-up land was first used for the Basel Herbstmesse (autumn fair) and later converted into the Mustermesse (trade fair grounds). Today, only the historic funeral chapel remains as a reminder of the former Rosentalgottesacker cemetery, which stood on the adjacent Rosental grounds. This green space now serves as a site for circuses and comes alive with amusement rides during the Herbstmesse.

Architectural highlights include Halle 2, built between 1953 and 1954, with its large clock and open inner courtyard, in front of which lies a water basin with fountains. The Messeturm, completed in 2003, rises 105 meters into the sky and is one of the tallest habitable buildings in Switzerland. The modern Halle 1, which opened in 2013, spans the square with a circular skylight opening and houses the tram stop beneath its City Lounge.