© Ernesto Uhlmann

Chemnitz – European Capital of Culture 2025

C The Unseen

C the Unseen in Chemnitz and discover a hidden treasure

in Saxony

Who knew: Saxony’s third largest city Chemnitz, known as the "Saxon Manchester", was the main driver of the Industrial Revolution in Germany and, for a time, became the country’s richest city. Today, Chemnitz is all set to show the world why it has won the title European Capital of Culture 2025, jointly with 38 municipalities of the “Chemnitz.Zwickau.Region” and the nearby Ore Mountains. Find out what makes Chemnitz and the cultural region tick and be surprised by inspiring sights and attractions.

Our top 7 exhibitions we recommend to visit

  • The mining exhibition "Treasures and Tragedies" at the State Museum of Archaeology Chemnitz explores the Ore Mountains' mining history from the Bronze Age to today. Until 29th June 2025, it examines mining's cultural, economic, and technological impact, ending with a look at future raw material challenges.

  • Beyond Geometry: Frei Otto, a pioneering architect in lightweight construction, profoundly influenced 20th-century architecture. Inspired by Otto, architect Kengo Kuma is among his global admirers. From 1st March until  30th June 2025 a multi-part program in Chemnitz-Siegmar, featuring events, workshops, and exhibitions, will celebrate Otto's significant connection to his birthplace. 

  • Sun Seekers! - a pictoral exhibition (April 10–August 10, 2025) in Zwickau explores the art collection amassed by SDAG Wismut, which mined uranium during the Cold War. Featuring over 4,000 works by 450 artists, it offers insights into East Germany's art scene and the transformations following reunification.

  • The European Realities project (April 27–August 10, 2025) explores 1920s-1930s European Realism, addressing issues like starvation, industry, and urbanization. It showcases diverse movements from Italy, France, Germany, and beyond, highlighting economic, cultural, and social shifts across Europe.

  • This exhibition (9th May to 31st December 2025) highlights the #3000GARAGES project, connecting diverse sub-projects within the Garage Campus. It showcases photographic portraits, quirky designs, installations, imaginative vehicles, and multimedia elements, offering a comprehensive view of the garage community and fostering communication and collaboration among its members.

  • The exhibition on Edvard Munch (August 10–November 2, 2025) explores his central theme of Angst, reflecting the emotional intensity of his work. It includes a "Pavilion of Angst" to foster dialogue on this existential topic, connecting historical and contemporary perspectives on personal and global anxiety.

  • IBUG, one of Europe's leading urban art festivals, transforms abandoned industrial sites into vibrant artworks. With painting, graffiti, installations, and multimedia, the festival attracts tens of thousands each year. In 2025, the 20th edition will focus on the future of these sites, with a unique, historically rich venue. Dates tbc.

Check out our upcoming festivals!

Chemnitz will celebrate 2025 with numerous festivals. We have selected some highlights for you.

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