World Design Events
Exhibitions abroad present an excellent opportunity to stay informed about current events and draw inspiration from the world’s leading architects and designers. In other words you get to travel, to absorb design exhibitions, and even enjoy tax refund.
Here’s a short list of top exhibitions and events worldwide. Have a nice flight.
BAU
Munich
January, every two years – in an odd year (2023, 2025…)
bau-muenchen.com/en
Type: construction industry
The world’s leading trade fair for architecture, materials and systems for the construction industry.
In the large exhibition spaces, BAU features materials, technology and systems for commercial and residential construction and interior work for both new-build and modernization and renovation.
Design Shanghai
March, every year
designshanghai.com
Type: design, furniture, lighting
The leading design event in Asia.
A fair presenting over 400 design brands, galleries from over 30 countries, hosting a forum and awarding prizes on design issues.
Milan Design Week
April, every year
salonemilano.it/en/
fuorisalone.it/en/info/about-fuorisalone
Type: design, furniture, kitchens, lighting
A major global furniture design event. The furniture fair presents thousands of brands showcasing furniture, lighting, electrical appliances, kitchen, bathroom, outdoor and workspace products. SaloneSatellite is the very event that devoted particular attention to young designers.
The Milan Design Week series of exhibitions and events spread across different areas of the city, includes events and exhibitions of leading designers and brands.
NYCxDesign
New York
May, every year
nycxdesign.com
icff.com
brooklyndesigns.nyc
wanteddesignnyc.com
Type: design
A design celebration in New York that lasts two weeks every year and attracts tens of thousands of visitors and designers. Various fields are presented at the festival: architecture, interior design, industrial design, graphic design, fashion, and more. At the same time, the ICFF (International Contemporary Furniture Fair) is held for four days, along with other exhibitions in city quarters, including Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Venice Biennale
May to November
Architecture in odd years (2025, 2027…) Art in even years (2024, 2026…)
labiennale.org/en
Type: art and architecture
One of the most important cultural events in the world. Pavilions serve as each country’s official representation during the event, allowing nations to showcase their unique artistic expressions and architectural concepts. The pavilions are curated by local artists/architects, presenting a diverse range of works that are often conceptual and research-oriented.
Paris Design Week
(at the same time MASION&OBJECT exhibition)
September, every year
maison-objet.com/en/paris-design-week
maison-objet.com/en/paris
Type: interior design
The Maison&Objet exhibition takes place twice a year, in January and September. The trade fair is dedicated to interior design, decoration, and lifestyle. In September, the exhibition coincides with Paris Design Week, showcasing the works of designers throughout the city.
London Design Festival
September, every year
londondesignfestival.com
100percentdesign.co.uk
thedesignjunction.co.uk
londondesignfair.co.uk
Type: design, furniture, lighting
Design Week celebrates and promotes London as a design capital. The event brings together design schools, designers, and commercial companies. The two main exhibitions in large showrooms are DESIGN 100% and LONDON DESIGN FAIR. At the same time, exhibitions are set up in the streets and squares throughout the city, and local galleries and studios are opened to the public.
Eindhoven Netherlands Design Week
October, every year
ddw.nl
Type: design
The largest design event in Northern Europe, attracting thousands of designers and visitors. The event includes exhibitions, lectures, forums, award ceremonies, parties, and performances. The emphasis is on experimentation, innovation, and showcasing young talent.
Designart Tokyo
October, every year
designart.jp/en/
Type: art-design
Designart Tokyo takes place every October, showcasing a festival of exhibitions and forums that merge arts, interior design, fashion, and food from around the world. The event is presented throughout Tokyo.
CTBUH
Worldwide, few times a year
https://www.ctbuh.org/
Type: platform, conferences
Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat is a non-profit organization, established in Chicago, and is a leading source of professional knowledge for the design, construction, and operation of high-rise buildings. The knowledge on the subject is disseminated through publications, studies, events, and through a network of local representations around the world (including in Israel). The council holds conferences every year, and a world congress every 3-5 years where tours of the towers, lectures, workshops, and social gatherings are held.
BATIMAT
Paris
November, every two years, in an odd year (2023,2025…)
batimat.com/en/home/
Type: construction industry
The exhibition is an international trade fair dedicated to construction, bringing together designers, suppliers from various fields, contracting companies, and entrepreneurs. The halls are divided according to areas: exterior and interior of the building, construction, cladding, tools, and construction technology.
Expo
Worldwide
Every five years. 2025 – Japan, Osaka
bie-paris.org/site/en/all-world-expos
Type: industrial innovation
The World Expo is a large public exhibition, an institution that has existed for over 150 years and is held every five years in a different place in the world. The exhibition features national pavilions, which participating countries set up with significant investment, to address common global human issues.
