Romexpo, a symbol of Romania’s economic progress and international openness in the second half of the twentieth century, was born during a period of optimism and rapid development. In 1959, amid industrial expansion and the desire to strengthen trade relations with other nations, Romanian authorities decided to establish a large-scale exhibition center. The purpose was twofold: to provide a modern showcase for the country’s economic achievements and to create a bridge of communication with foreign markets.

The birth of a visionary project in a time of economic growth

This decision was far from accidental. Romania was going through a time of economic and diplomatic affirmation, and the idea of an innovative exhibition complex capable of hosting international events was seen as a strategic investment. 

The construction of Romexpo thus represented more than a simple architectural endeavor: it was the embodiment of a collective ambition to demonstrate to the world the country’s industrial and creative potential.

Soon, the plans took shape. Bucharest, a city undergoing rapid urban transformation, was chosen as the site of the project thanks to its developing infrastructure and its central position within Romania’s economic network.

The Central Pavilion – an emblem of modernity

After several years of intense planning and construction, the long-awaited moment arrived in 1962 with the inauguration of the Central Pavilion, also known as the Cupola. This impressive building, later renamed Pavilion A, marked the beginning of a new era for Bucharest’s architecture and exhibition life.

With its bold design and modernist structure, the Cupola quickly became a symbol of urban modernity. The Romanian architects involved in the project succeeded in creating a building that combined aesthetic elegance with technical functionality, transforming it into a visual landmark of the capital. The Central Pavilion was not just an exhibition hall but a space designed to inspire.

In the following years, Romexpo began to establish itself as the main hub for Romania’s economic and cultural events. In 1964, hosting the Exhibition of the Achievements of the National Economy confirmed the importance of the complex, bringing together numerous enterprises eager to present their products and technological innovations. The event had a strong public impact and became a yearly tradition, consolidating Romexpo’s reputation as a prestigious venue.

International expansion and Romexpo’s affirmation in the 1970s

The 1970s marked a new stage of growth for the exhibition center. As Romania strengthened its economic ties with other countries, Romexpo became the stage for large-scale international events. In 1970, it hosted the first Bucharest International Fair (TIB), which brought together exhibitors from over 30 countries.

This fair was a milestone, proving that Romexpo had the capacity to compete with other major exhibition centers in Europe. The international stands, the advanced technologies on display, and the new business connections established during the event all helped strengthen Romania’s image as a dynamic and open trading partner.

Throughout the following decades, Romexpo continued to grow. By the 1980s, the complex had become the leading organizer of fairs and exhibitions in the country, diversifying its portfolio and merging different types of events under the same brand. A strong tradition of thematic fairs took shape—from industry and technology to agriculture and culture—attracting tens of thousands of visitors every year.

Transformation into a modern company and international partnerships

The sweeping changes of the 1990s also reshaped Romexpo’s destiny. In 1991, the exhibition center was reorganized and became a joint-stock company, with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Romania as its majority shareholder. This transformation marked the adaptation to the new realities of a market economy and allowed for more efficient management, open to international collaborations.

In the years that followed, Romexpo underwent a process of modernization and diversification, joining global professional networks. Romania’s integration into international economic and institutional structures was accompanied by Romexpo’s membership in prestigious organizations such as UFI (The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry) and CENTREX.

Through these affiliations, Romexpo consolidated its position as a benchmark platform in the European exhibition industry, benefiting from international know-how and promoting high professional standards.

Development in the 2000s and transformation into a multifunctional center

A new phase of modernization began in the 2000s, when Romexpo launched major expansion and reconfiguration projects. The complex was transformed into a state-of-the-art exhibition ensemble, featuring modular pavilions, modern technical facilities, and a business center designed for conferences and international meetings.

This development enabled the organization of an increasing number of events, from international tourism fairs and auto shows to exhibitions of industrial equipment, agriculture, and design. Romexpo became not only a venue for exhibitions but a genuine economic and cultural hub, connecting Romania to global trends.

The impact of these transformations was also visible in the life of the city. Events held at Romexpo attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, generating significant tourism and commercial activity for Bucharest.

Recent modernization and adaptation to new technologies

After 2016, Romexpo entered a new phase of deep transformation, aligning itself with the needs of the twenty-first century. The ambitious modernization process launched that year aimed to turn the complex into a multifunctional and sustainable space, designed to meet the expectations of both exhibitors and contemporary visitors.

In 2017, the new pavilions and exhibition areas were inaugurated, designed according to international standards. These upgrades turned Romexpo into an emblematic venue for events, urban leisure, and international collaboration. Its modern atmosphere, integrated services, and digitalized infrastructure solidified its status as Romania’s most important exhibition center.

In recent years, the modernization process has continued steadily. Parking areas have been redesigned, and visitor access has been fully digitalized through an innovative ticketing and flow-control system. In addition, the launch of a modern mobile app has made navigation easier, offering real-time event information, interactive maps, and direct communication options between exhibitors and visitors.

Romexpo today – tradition, innovation, and vision

Today, Romexpo represents not only an essential part of Romania’s economic history but also a promise for the future. The exhibition center continues to be a place where innovation, professionalism, and passion come together to create the country’s most important events.

Ongoing development projects aim to expand the existing facilities and create an even more efficient, accessible, and environmentally friendly exhibition environment. In an increasingly digitalized world, Romexpo reaffirms its mission to connect people, ideas, and businesses, while honoring the historical legacy of the site.

Looking back, the journey from the bold idea of 1959 to the modern complex of today mirrors Romania’s own evolution—a nation that has learned to blend tradition with modernity and transform ambition into reality. Romexpo remains, without a doubt, the most ambitious Romanian project of the 1960s, a symbol of openness and innovative spirit that continues to inspire generations.

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