Munich celebrates the World Exhibition of Medal Art with 500 exhibits!

Munich celebrates the World Exhibition of Medal Art with 500 exhibits!

The World Exhibition of Modern Medal Art (FIDEM XXXVIII) will take place for the first time in Munich from October 15th to 18th, 2025. Under the motto “Our Myths – Our Roots”, a fascinating range of 500 art medals from more than 30 countries, created by around 350 artists, will be presented. This exhibition represents a highlight of medal art and links a tradition of over 500 years that began in the Italian Renaissance. The most famous representative of this art form in Germany is the well-known painter and graphic artist Albrecht Dürer.

The medals are often designed on both sides: the front shows an artistic motif, while the back has a deep symbol. What is particularly striking is that German and US medals often deal with political topics. International representatives, such as those from the Netherlands and Latvia, offer avant-garde small sculptures, while Japan and New Zealand show a particular sensitivity to indigenous traditions. The entire event is organized by the Munich State Coin Collection in partnership with the Fédération Internationale de la Médaille d’Art, whose president is Philip Attwood, former director of the British Museum in London. The patron of the event is H.K.H. Duke Franz of Bavaria.

Diverse locations and program highlights

The main exhibition will take place in the State Antique Collections at Königsplatz. It is complemented by an extensive lecture program and artist workshops. Further exhibitions will be shown at various locations throughout the city. Anyone who would like to take a look at the magnificent medals in advance can do so from October 15, 2025 to January 31, 2026. Registration for the congress, including the interesting program, can still be done online.

It is particularly worth mentioning that the annual meeting of the German Society for Medal Art (DGMK) will also take place on October 14, 2025 in the State Coin Collection. Important topics such as board elections are discussed here. The events also serve as a prelude to a week full of medal highlights, including the awarding of the Johann Veit Döll German Medalist Prize on October 17th as well as various workshops and a special FIDEM medal fair.

A celebration of medal art

Exciting news also comes from the Grand Prix winner of 2023: Grazyna Jolanta Lindau from Switzerland was awarded for her impressive “Dementia” medal. Numerous activities are planned to celebrate the art of medal design in all its facets. The DGMK will also hold a pre-medal fair after the general meeting where collectors and interested parties can come together.

With this event, Munich shows once again that the city is a center for art and culture. The mix of tradition and innovation will certainly inspire many people and invite them to discover the fascinating world of medals. As interest in this art form continues to grow, it is hoped that many will take the opportunity to view the unique works and delve into the deep roots of medal art. Lots of exciting events coming up, so stay tuned! Further information can be found at In Munich, FIDEM and Medal art.