Chemnitz: the Capital of Culture 2025

In 2025, the Saxon industrial city of Chemnitz, together with 38 municipalities of Central Saxony, the Ore Mountains and the Zwickau region, will be crowned European Capital of Culture. Visitors from Germany and all over the world are cordially invited to explore Chemnitz and the surrounding region, which is characterised by its rich, shared cultural and industrial heritage in the midst of a diverse natural environment.

“C the Unseen" is about focussing on the undiscovered, the unseen and perhaps even the previously invisible parts of Chemnitz.

Chemnitz managed to prevail against all competitors - and will be the European Capital of Culture in 2025. The slogan, "C the Unseen", is characteristic of this. The aim is to make Chemnitz more visible as a city and place it on the European map.

Cultural diversity and innovation

Chemnitz, once known as the industrial heart of Saxony, has undergone an impressive transformation in recent decades. The city has developed from an industrial centre into a cultural hotspot characterised by a vibrant art and culture scene. This metamorphosis is reflected in the variety of museums, galleries and cultural events that attract visitors from all over the world.

A key factor in Chemnitz's selection as European Capital of Culture 2025 is the city's cultural diversity and innovative strength. Chemnitz has a rich cultural landscape, ranging from historical sites to modern art projects. The city is known for its numerous theatres, music festivals and art fairs, which cover a broad spectrum of genres and styles. Particularly noteworthy are initiatives aimed at integrating and promoting artists from different cultural backgrounds.

Opera House

Impressive architecture and a long tradition: visitors to the opera house enjoy first-class performances in a varied programme.

Lulatsch

302 metres high, colourfully illuminated and almost always in view: this former heating plant chimney has become the city's landmark.

Karl Marx monument

The Karl Marx monument in Chemnitz is an iconic landmark of the city. With its impressive size and historical significance, it attracts numerous visitors.

Cultural highlights 2025

Chemnitz is planning about 100 projects and around 1,000 events for 2025. The cultural diversity and creativity of the city will take centre stage. Highlights will include and not be limited to:

  • “Hutfestival” (Hat Festival) – street art festival (30 May – 1 June 2025)
  • KOSMOS Festival – festival for democracy in Chemnitz and Europe (13 - 15 June 2025)
  • Edvard Munch’s “Angst” (Fear) – exhibition at the Kunstsammlungen am Theaterplatz (10 August – 2 November 2025)
  • European Peace Ride – international cycling race (9 - 13 September 2025)
  • PURPLE PATH – art and sculpture trail
  • Tales of Transformation – exhibition at the Chemnitz Industrial Museum (25 April - 16 November 2025)
  • “Rummelplatz” project – opera premiere (autumn 2025)
  • makers united – hands-on festival for creativity, science and innovation in the city centre of Chemnitz (19 -22 June 2025)

You can find the complete programme at https://chemnitz2025.de/en/

Another feature that characterises Chemnitz is the community’s strong involvement in cultural projects. The citizens of Chemnitz played an active role in shaping the Capital of Culture bid by contributing ideas and suggestions. This broad participation has led to a number of projects that strengthen social cohesion and promote a sense of community. These include participatory art projects, neighbourhood festivals and intercultural dialogues. The European Duck Race 2025 is also a proud contributor to this endeavour.

Chemnitz has earned the title of European Capital of Culture 2025 through an impressive mix of cultural diversity, community engagement and innovative projects. The city offers a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant contemporary art scene, which together form a unique cultural landscape. Chemnitz will not only be a stage for cultural excellence in 2025, but also an example of how culture can transform cities and strengthen communities.