The European Union has been awarding the title of "European Capital of Culture" for 40 years. To mark the opening of Chemnitz 2025, almost 100 representatives from 30 former, current and future European Capitals of Culture as well as two British cities of culture came together in Chemnitz. After all, the European idea, networking, mutual support and learning from one another are important building blocks for the success of a European Capital of Culture year. The three-day stay was also an opportunity to present the regional diversity and history of Chemnitz and the Capital of Culture region.
The weekend began with a visit to the "Treasures & Tragedies" exhibition at the State Museum of Archaeology Chemnitz (smac). Dr Jens Beutmann, curator of the exhibition, gave an introduction to the significance of mining for the region, followed by words of welcome from Stefan Schmidtke, Programme Director of Chemnitz 2025 gGmbH. The guests were then officially welcomed by Andrea Pier, Commercial Director of Chemnitz 2025 gGmbH, at the Hartmannfabrik, the Chemnitz 2025 visitor centre. This festive reception marked the start of a weekend dedicated to intercultural exchange and cooperation between the European Capitals of Culture.
Chemnitz presents itself
On Saturday, various tours offered our guests a comprehensive insight into the city. They visited the Industrial Museum, the Vehicle Museum with Martin Maleschka's installation "Spare Parts Warehouse", the Makerhub Stadtwirtschaft and the exhibition "Reform of Life" in the Chemnitz Art Collections. A guided city tour rounded off the programme. In the Chemnitz Opera House, the European guests took part in the opening ceremony of the European Capital of Culture Chemnitz 2025. The grand finale of the day was the impressive opening show at the Karl Marx Monument, accompanied by rousing musical and artistic performances.
Sunday in the Capital of Culture region
On Sunday, our guests travelled to the Capital of Culture region around Chemnitz. In Schneeberg in the Ore Mountains, the European guests visited the Makerhub Kulturwerk Schneeberg, encountered traditional crafts such as woodworking and the production of leather gloves and sampled the variety of local beers at the "Braukombinat" brewery. The last stop on the tour led to the sculpture "Coin Stack 2" by Sean Scully, which can be associated with the legendary labour disputes of the Schneeberg miners. The sculpture is part of the PURPLE PATH art and sculpture trail, one of the main projects for Chemnitz 2025.
A big thank you to everyone who travelled all the way to Chemnitz to witness the special opening of the Capital of Culture. Over the course of the year, guests can expect a diverse programme with over 1000 projects, festivals and events - an invitation to rediscover the city and region time and time again!
