INTERMODELLBAU 2026: Four days of model-building adventure for the whole family

Creative experiences with hands-on experiences, impressive models and the BVB mascot.

Families and BVB fans, take note: a visit to INTERMODELLBAU is doubly worthwhile again this year! Starting on April 16, the exhibition halls in Dortmund will transform into a fascinating miniature world for four days. Exhibitors, clubs, associations and hobbyists will travel to the Ruhr region bringing a wide range of models, display layouts, as well as products and accessories related to this creative hobby. But they will not be the only ones there. On Saturday (April 18), a very special guest will also be joining.

Dortmund, 17 March 2026 – EMMA, the mascot of Borussia Dortmund, will be walking through the halls from 11:00 to 11:45 a.m. and will be available for fun photos together.

That’s not the only reason for families to mark the exhibition date in their calendars. At numerous hands-on stations, children can get involved themselves, discover different facets of model building and gain their first insights into a hobby that is both creative and technical. By trying things out together, they and their parents can experience how ideas and individual components are turned into detailed models – and how model building playfully promotes technical understanding, concentration and manual skills. At the same time, the exhibition also invites adults to immerse themselves in this fascinating world: impressive display layouts, elaborately designed models and the latest products from manufacturers and retailers provide inspiration and showcase the full diversity of a hobby that connects generations.

A detailed overview of the experiences awaiting visitors at INTERMODELLBAU is available here – including a filter function that allows targeted searches by date, location and provider. The list of exhibitors is also already available to help visitors prepare for their trade fair visit.

Additional display layouts showcase the diversity of railway modelling
For families enthusiastic about model railways, several exciting display layouts have also been added just one month before the exhibition. The BDEF (German Association of Railway Friends) will bring the MEC Saxonia Dresden club to Dortmund. Their layout features three Saxon railway stations recreated true to the original. The operational center is Hetzdorf station; from there, a standard-gauge branch line runs to Zwönitz, while in the other direction a narrow-gauge railway leads into the Ore Mountains toward Großrückerswalde.

The KüsteNBahner lives up to its name: this display layout is inspired by northern German coastal scenery and reflects the typical character of the landscape. Highlights include a real-water basin with ferry operations, a tower for free-fall rescue boats (also with real water) and a circus.

A European premiere will be the “Żankowo” display layout by MLK Model from Poland. The model shows a Polish railway station from the 1980s and combines standard-gauge and narrow-gauge railways. An integral part of the layout is a narrow-gauge halt with a ramp used for transferring goods between standard-gauge and narrow-gauge wagons.

Looking for an Easter gift? Give the whole family an experience
A visit to INTERMODELLBAU promises an unforgettable experience for the whole family. Across six exhibition halls, visitors can explore the fascinating miniature world of model building. Whether marvelling at detailed layouts, getting creative themselves or exchanging ideas with other enthusiasts – there is something for everyone, young and old.

Anyone still looking for a special Easter gift will certainly find it in the INTERMODELLBAU ticket shop. In addition to day tickets and event passes, the offer also includes family tickets as well as discounted tickets for children and teenagers. Children under the age of six receive free admission. The online shop is available here.