Positive results at the halfway point of the Capital of Culture

Faced with high visitor numbers at exhibitions and festivals, those responsible for the European Capital of Culture in Chemnitz have drawn a positive interim balance. "Six months as European Capital of Culture 2025 show: Chemnitz is in the spotlight - both nationally and internationally," explained Lord Mayor Sven Schulze (SPD). "People from all over Europe are visiting our city, experiencing culture, openness and adaptability." The positive effects on culture and tourism are clearly noticeable, added Culture and Tourism Minister Barbara Klepsch (CDU).

More than 1,000 events so far

Since its opening in mid-January with around 80,000 guests, visitors have been offered more than 1,000 events, according to the information provided. The "Kosmos" festival recently attracted around 115,000 visitors, while the Hut Festival also attracted 105,000, twice as many as the previous year.

The museums also reported a significant increase in visitor numbers. The Kunstsammlungen Chemnitz recorded a good 61,200 visitors from January to May (2024: 29,500). Interest was particularly high in the exhibitions on the architects Frei Otto and Kengo Kuma, the "European Realities" show on realism movements of the 1920s and 30s and the new Karl Schmidt-Rottluff Haus. The Industrial Museum also counted almost 49,800 visitors by the beginning of June - an increase of 66.6 percent.

"A spirit of optimism everywhere in the city and region"

"Even after the first six months as European Capital of Culture, it is clear to see: The long-standing commitment of many people since the application phase is bearing fruit," says Andrea Pier, Commercial Director of Kulturhauptstadt GmbH. "This is evidenced not only by the rising numbers of overnight stays and restaurant visits, but above all by the palpable spirit of optimism throughout the city and region." Head of the program Stefan Schmidtke is looking beyond 2025: "In many places, intensive work is already underway to further develop the program sustainably and to consolidate the Capital of Culture effect."

Chemnitz is this year's European Capital of Culture together with the twin city of Nova Gorica - Gorizia on the border between Slovenia and Italy.