Dear Colleagues,

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The Stuttgart Antiquarian Book Fair is the most important antiquarian book fair in the German-speaking world—and it is back at the Württembergischer Kunstverein, better than ever. We are delighted to invite all ILAB members worldwide to participate in the Stuttgart Antiquarian Book Fair 2027. Our particularly attractive pricing model ensures that participation is affordable for everyone. Our most recent fair was a great success for exhibitors: 72 colleagues from 11 countries came together in Stuttgart to celebrate the antiquarian book trade.Under the new fair leadership of the Fair Committee of the German Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association, we have taken bold steps to make the fair more international, modern, and impactful—and in 2027 we will continue to drive change and innovation. We see the opening of the fair to related fields such as art, beat and pop culture, and photography as a forward-looking step to sharpen and rejuvenate its profile and to reach new collectors.

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A fair for the international book trade

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The Stuttgart Antiquarian Book Fair is an internationally oriented, modern fair that has developed consistently and successfully over the past two years—more open, more international, and more contemporary than ever. We warmly welcome ILAB members from around the world. Our carefully designed and particularly attractive pricing model—introduced last year to great acclaim—ensures that participation is affordable for all. Each stand also includes a two-page feature in the printed fair catalogue, which is distributed worldwide in an edition of over 3,000 copies to institutions and collectors.
 

A prestigious new venue

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In response to strong demand for larger stands, we are delighted to return to the Württembergischer Kunstverein Stuttgart. The spacious, square, and light-filled exhibition hall with over 1,200 square meters, together with the glass wing of approximately 280 square meters—open, transparent, and inviting—create an exceptional setting for the fair. This effectively doubles the exhibition space compared to the last fair, providing even more room for exhibitors and visitors.

 

New to the fair? Arrive, exhibit, inspire
The special stand for first-time exhibitors

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We have developed a special package for first-time exhibitors: manageable in effort, strong in impact, and unbeatable in price. It offers a fully equipped stand—with display case, table, and chair—for a one-time fee of just €980. Joining us for the first time? We provide an exclusive allocation of stands for first-time exhibitors, including a two-page feature in the printed fair catalogue, which is distributed worldwide to institutions and collectors. Spaces are strictly limited, so early registration is highly recommended.

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Supporting program 2027: Knowledge, exchange, inspiration

The Stuttgart Antiquarian Book Fair 2027 is much more than a marketplace for rare books. A diverse supporting program of lectures and workshops on literary history, book history, and the techniques of paper and book production invites exploration and deeper engagement. International speakers from museums, libraries, private collections, the trade, and publishing will join us in illuminating the world of the book in all its breadth—making the fair a unique meeting place for all who love books.

Rare Books. New Passion: The Young Collectors Zone

A special highlight of the Stuttgart Antiquarian Book Fair 2027 will once again be the Young Collectors Zone—a dedicated area designed by Natasha Herman to welcome young collectors and newcomers into the fascinating world of antiquarian books. Here, curiosity and passion meet expertise: through guided tours, short workshops, and personal conversations with dealers, young visitors learn how to evaluate books, place them in context, and build their own collections. The Young Collectors Zone is our contribution to the future of the book trade—because tomorrow’s collectors are inspired today.
Reaching collectors worldwide

Our newly developed digital marketing strategy—created in collaboration with an internationally oriented PR agency and brought to life through a dynamic, year-round social media presence—gave the 2026 fair exceptional visibility: more than 30 articles and media mentions across Europe and overseas presented our exhibitors to a broad international audience. In 2027, we will build on this momentum. The Stuttgart Antiquarian Book Fair is now an established brand: @antiquariatsmessestuttgart, active year-round across all relevant channels and professionally managed by our Australian colleague Tira Lewis, who continuously promotes all exhibitors to collectors, institutions, and book lovers worldwide.

Proven success: A catalogue that delivers

Our printed catalogue has proven to be one of the fair’s most effective tools. For 2027, we are increasing the print run again to over 3,000 copies, distributed worldwide to institutions and collectors—and the digital edition was downloaded more than 7,000 times in 2026. Additional catalogue pages can be booked for €390 per two pages (further pages on request), complemented by attractive advertising opportunities for all book-related businesses.

Stuttgart & Ludwigsburg: A unique twin event

The Stuttgart Antiquarian Book Fair takes place in coordination with the Antiquaria in Ludwigsburg. We will once again organize a shuttle service between the two fairs—offering exhibitors and visitors one of the most exciting antiquarian book weekends in Europe.

We encourage you to register early—those who apply first have the best chance of securing their preferred stand location. We look forward to welcoming you to Stuttgart in 2027. Together, we will make this fair what it is: a vibrant, modern, and truly international celebration of the antiquarian book.

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Download registration form

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Fair Terms

 

 

 

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