The bust of Karl Marx in Chemnitz, which was known as Karl-Marx-Stadt from 1953 to 1991, seems to be looking down somewhat wistfully on developments in the new city centre. Back then, the mighty statue, hewn out of grey granite by Soviet artist Lev Kerbel and dedicated in 1971, provided the backdrop for parades and other large-scale events at the many festivals and anniversaries in the GDR. It is one of the largest free-standing portrait busts in the world – second only to the Sphinx in Egypt.

Opened in December 2007 as part of the Kunstsammlungen galleries in Chemnitz, Gunzenhauser Museum is one of the most important private collections of art that is permanently open to the public. The museum houses the collection of Munich art dealer Alfred Gunzenhauser who amassed almost 2,500 works by 270 different artists over a period of many years. Holdings include almost 300 works by Otto Dix and Germany's second-largest collection of works by Karl Schmidt-Rottluff, the famous Expressionist from Chemnitz and co-founder of the group of artists known as Die Brücke.

The puppet theatre at the Luxorpalast delights visitors with a fascinating theatrical experience. It has two stages: the main auditorium and a smaller, more intimate setting in the basement. Shows are aimed at younger audiences aged four and over, but adults and older children will also enjoy the diverse repertoire of performances featuring traditional marionettes, hand puppets and beautifully crafted stick puppets.