Kompakt celebrates 500 releases with Cologne’s exhibition

The show runs from May 23rd to July 20th, 2025.

Photo credit: Kompakt – Instagram

Kölnischer Kunstverein is hosting the Kompakt 500 exhibition, which just opened on May 23rd, in order to celebrate the label’s 500th catalogued release, highlighting its rich history and cultural impact.

Kompakt 500 pays homage to a brand that embodies Cologne’s spirit. From its headquarters in Werderstrasse, Kompakt has fostered a sense of autonomy, blending music, art, and life in a vibrant, creative hub. This milestone exhibition reveals how the imprint, rooted in friendships and a shared passion for electronic music, has shaped underground sounds for over thirty years.

Curated by Kompakt in collaboration with Valérie Knoll and the Kölnischer Kunstverein, the exhibition also features guided tours and talks. Notable events include tours with Knoll, Anna Heldmann, and co-founder Wolfgang Voigt, alongside a talk titled ‘What was to be said: Kompakt in 10 tracks’ with Voigt and Lars Fleischmann on June 26th.

Read our Label of the Month: Kompakt Records feature here.

Additional information is available here.