Chemnitz: the discovery of the modern

In many ways, Chemnitz is one of Germany's most modern cities. It flourished during the industrial revolution, and business and research continues to thrive here, while at the same time its architecture and culture show strong modernist influences.

Past and present in perfect harmony
The centre of Chemnitz, which was almost completely destroyed in 1945, has only recently been fully rebuilt. It was not until the Berlin Wall came down that large-scale construction resumed in the heart of the city – including projects by renowned architects such as Helmut Jahn, Christoph Ingenhoven and Hans Kollhoff. A modernist approach and a process of continuous improvement and innovation has given the new centre its distinctive look. Chemnitz's main shopping street has a particular urban charm and blends the historical and the modern to great effect. The High Tower of the Old Town Hall offers the best views over the market square and the rooftops of the city. The tower watchman – dressed in his historical uniform – has served as protector and timekeeper for the city's people since 1488, and today takes visitors on a journey back in time through centuries of Chemnitz history. A captivating contrast to the functional office blocks and residential buildings is provided by the old city centre, baroque Siegertsches Haus, the ornamental market hall and the modernist town baths. Thrown into the mix are shopping arcades, restaurants and cafés, leisure attractions and cultural venues. Chemnitz is a destination of international class, and won the DIFA award for Europe's best urban quarter thanks to its blend of industrial heritage, entertainment and nightlife.

It's not just the many cathedrals of industry that bear witness to Chemnitz's prosperous past. There are also grand residential properties from the late 19th century, art nouveau villas and an abundance of public and private buildings from the Bauhaus period. The Kassberg district is one of the largest and most beautiful Gründerzeit quarters in Europe.

Visitors to the city can look forward to a wide choice of culture, with theatres, museums and galleries, entertainment at the civic hall and the famous Kabarett Kiste and Kabarett im Keller venues, plus a packed programme of festivals and events. The Tietz arts centre is an attraction in itself. A former department store, it is now the city's leading destination for culture and education as the home of the Natural History Museum, the municipal library and the New Saxony Gallery. Just around the corner are numerous restaurants, cafés and clubs that offer a range of entertaining options for late-night revellers .