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.

Up for a deep dive into 300,000 years of human history? Chemnitz is home to Saxony’s state museum for archaeology – known as smac – which houses permanent and special exhibitions in a former department store, which also happens to be an icon of classical modernist architecture.

In den Ausstellungsräumen des Industriemuseums Chemnitz sind unterschiedliche historische Fahrzeuge ausgestellt.

A former foundry converted into a beautiful museum: Chemnitz Museum of Industry showcases 200 years of industrial history in innovative ways, creating many a light bult moment for visitors.

In den Ausstellungsräumen des Museums Gunzenhauser Chemnitz sind Exponate mit Fokus auf die Kunst der Jahrhundertwende um 1900, den Expressionismus, die Neue Sachlichkeit sowie die Abstraktion im 20. Jahrhundert.

Named after its founder, the art collector Alfred Gunzenhauser, the splendid Gunzenhauser Museum's collection comprises almost 2,500 works of German art from the turn of the century, Expressionism and post-war Modernism, including one of the world’s largest Otto Dix collections. The museum space, a former bank building in the New Objectivity style, is a perfect match for the art on show.

Kunstsammlungen am Theaterplatz, part of Chemnitz Art Collections, are a top destination for art lovers. Alongside a wide range of paintings from the Romantic period, the museum is known for its large group of works from the Expressionist period on show, particularly by the “Brücke” (Bridge) artists, including by Chemnitz-born Karl Schmidt-Rottluff.

Für Architektur-Liebhaber und -Liebhaberinnen ein absolutes Must-See. Vom belgischen Gestalter Henry van de Velde entworfen, ist die Villa Esche heute ein Begegnungsort für Kultur, Wirtschaft und Kunst. Eine Besichtigung ist absolut lohnenswert!

This must-see for architecture lovers was designed by Belgian designer Henry van de Velde in 1902 and is now a popular space for cultural events and conferences. Tip: Join a guided tour of the Art Nouveau building and relax in the on-site restaurant!

Das Chemnitzer Museum für Stadtgeschichte ist in einer der schönsten und besterhaltenen Klosteranlagen Sachsens untergebracht.

Discover one of the oldest buildings in Chemnitz, with roots going back to the 12th century: Schlossberg Museum is one of the five premises of Chemnitz Art Collections and takes visitors on a tour through the city’s history, including stunning views across Chemnitz from its elevated position on a ridge above the Chemnitz river.

Boulevard Brühl in Chemnitz, Schriftzug "Zuhause" steht in lebensgroßen Lettern inmitten des Boulevards, Menschen laufen umher

Check out our Chemnitz insider tips on a tour of the city

Schlossteich lake: A green oasis in the city centre where you can hire a pedalo to enjoy moments of peace and quiet on the water. Don’t miss: On the nearby Schlossberg, a range of half-timbered houses are home to some top restaurants. Perfect for enjoyin culinary delights in Chemnitz’ most historical part.
Brühl neighbourhood: In GDR times, this was the city’s main shopping area. The neighbourhood is now popular with a creative crowd who have injected new life into this historic location in Chemnitz. We suggest stopping by at Dreamers for a coffee and taking in the special Brühl vibes.
Kassberg: Just wow – Kassberg is one of the largest neighbourhoods in Germany featuring Gründerzeit and Art Nouveau architecture, the former being a specific style associated with the German Gründerzeit era from 1868 to 1873. Stroll through the many streets of this part of Chemnitz, marvel at richly-decorated façades and discover great bars, restaurants and cafés.

Industrial heritage itinerary

Curious about what’s happening in 2025? Take a look at the highlights!

From sports to culture – Chemnitz is putting on a firework of events for its big Capital of Culture 2025 year

Did you know that the cradle of German car manufacturing lies 25 miles west of Chemnitz in Zwickau, where a certain August Horch founded a company that eventually became Audi? The manufacturing site now houses the brilliant August Horch Museum, charting 120 years of car production in Zwickau, with lots of great cars on show.

More infos here!

In 1810, Robert Schumann, one of the greatest composers of the Romantic era, was born in Zwickau and his birthplace is today a museum that holds the world’s largest collection of pictures and documents by the famous musical couple Robert and Clara Schumann. A must for music lovers!

More infos here!

Zwei Kinder laufen mit Helm und Taschenlampen durch den Markus-Röhling-Stolln in Annaberg-Buchholz. — Mine in Annaberg-Buchholz

The mining town of Annaberg-Buchholz in the Ore Mountains, only a short drive south of Chemnitz, was founded around 1500 after silver deposits were discovered. Today, visitors can enjoy splendid town houses, the majestic St. Anne’s Church, visitor mines and museums.

More infos here!

Ein Paar spaziert über den Obermarkt in der Altstadt von Freiberg. In der Mitte des Markts steht eine Statue. — Freiberg's historic old town

850 years ago, a shiny lump of ore at the roadside paved the way for Freiberg to becoming a “Silberstadt®” (silver town). Today, the town is part of the UNESCO-listed Ore Mountains mining region and delights visitors with more than 550 listed buildings in the late medieval town centre bearing witness to the "silver age".

More infos here!

Wooden Christmas angels and pyramids, nutcracker figures and beautiful candle arches – tucked away in the Ore Mountains, Seiffen is the birthplace of artistically carved wooden toys and Christmas decorations. Discover traditional Ore Mountains folk art in the workshops of local craftspeople and tour the splendid Ore Mountain Toy Museum.

More infos here!

Chemnitz – European Capital of Culture 2025

Top 6 museums in Chemnitz

smac - State Museum for Archeology Chemnitz

Chemnitz Museum of Industry

Gunzenhauser Museum

Chemnitz Art Collections

Villa Esche

Schlossberg Museum

Check out our Chemnitz insider tips on a tour of the city

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Saxony is looking forward to welcoming you!