Mädler Passage

The Mädler Passage (Mädlerpassage) is one of the most beautiful shopping arcades in Germany and a highlight of any walk through central Leipzig. Between Grimmaische Straße and Neumarkt, boutiques, cafes and restaurants line a glass-roofed galleria, including Auerbachs Keller, the cellar restaurant made famous by Goethe's Faust. Looking for things to do in Leipzig? A stroll through here is free, quick and rewarding, especially on a rainy day.

Where it is and how to get there

The arcade runs from Grimmaische Straße 2 to 4 toward Neumarkt in the pedestrian center of Leipzig. Leipzig is about 1 hour 15 minutes from Berlin by fast train and roughly 1.5 hours from Dresden. From Leipzig Hauptbahnhof it is about a 15-minute walk through the city center. A directory lists the nearest public transit stop as "Markt," a few minutes away on foot. The arcade does not publish parking information, so use public garages in the city center.

From trade fair hall to arcade

The arcade was built between 1912 and 1914 for merchant Anton Mädler on the site of the old Auerbachs Hof. Architect Theodor Kösser, building adviser to the Saxon king, won the competition. The building combined a trade-fair exhibition hall with a shopping arcade, with more than 8,000 square meters of exhibition space on four upper floors. After German reunification, a renovation from 1995 to 1997 restored the arcade.

What to see

• Glass roof and rotunda: the arcade is 140 meters long and 5 to 7 meters wide; the rotunda is 12 meters across under a glass dome
• Faust and Mephisto: two bronze figures by Mathieu Molitor depict the scene from Goethe's play near the stairs to Auerbachs Keller
• Meissen porcelain glockenspiel: installed in 1970, reinstalled in 1997, playing melodies on the hour
• Auerbachs Keller: paintings by Heinrich Bey from 1867 and a carved chandelier showing Faust riding a barrel

Visiting (as of October 2026)

Entry to the arcade is free, and shops keep their own hours. Auerbachs Keller's main hall opens Monday, Thursday and Sunday 12 p.m. to 10 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday noon to 11 p.m.; the Mephisto Bar has its own hours. The cellar is closed December 23 and 24, 2026. Reserve if you plan to dine. Plan 20 to 30 minutes for the arcade itself. Accessibility is not confirmed in our sources, so call the management at +49 341 216340.

Nearby

The Market Square with the Old Town Hall, St. Nicholas Church and St. Thomas Church are all within a few minutes' walk. Many visitors combine the arcade with Bach sites and a coffee in the old town.