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In 2025, imm cologne is taking a break, leaving many to wonder how this will impact Passagen, Cologne’s celebrated design festival. Passagen 2025 should take place in Cologne from January 10 to 16, 2025, anyway. Festival founder Sabine Voggenreiter addressed these concerns in a recent interview with the Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger. “The cancellation of the trade fair will, of course, affect us,” Voggenreiter acknowledged, “especially after the challenging years we faced during the COVID pandemic. However, we’ve since recovered well.”

Passagen 2024

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How does imm cologne absence impact Passagen 2025?

Despite the absence of imm cologne, Voggenreiter remains optimistic about Passagen 2025. “Planning is well underway,” she confirms. While the festival may not reach the same level of international participation as in previous years, it has already received a strong response and promises a lineup of creative projects. “We are aiming for around 120 events, similar to previous editions,” she added.

The festival team is actively engaging with stakeholders to maintain its extensive network of connections. One idea under consideration is a collaboration with imm cologne to showcase elements of the trade fair within the Passagen framework. Such a partnership could convey the message that both imm and Passagen want to nurture Cologne’s future as a design hub.

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Exhibition on Gruppe Pentagon, at Makk Museum, Passagen 2020

Though there are no official announcements yet, it appears that both Passagen and Koelnmesse (imm cologne organiser) intend continuing to invest in Cologne’s design scene. The city remains an ideal venue, thanks to its concentration of international stores, showrooms, design schools, and emerging talent. Its compact city center allows exhibitions, installations, and events to unfold within a walkable distance, creating an intimate and immersive festival experience.

Passagen 2025 is set to take place in Cologne from January 10 to 16, 2025, promising a dynamic week of design, creativity, and collaboration.