Culture Minister Barbara Klepsch has praised the Capital of Culture year as a great success for Chemnitz and the region. "Chemnitz and the region are receiving a great deal of national and international attention," said the CDU politician after the cabinet meeting in Dresden. This was demonstrated by events such as the mining exhibition "Silberglanz & Kumpeltod" or the "European Realities" show on realism movements of the 1920s and 30s.
Overnight stays in Chemnitz increase by 20 percent
The investments made by the city of Chemnitz, the state and the federal government were "money well spent". The Minister also referred to the increase in visitors to the region. The Industrial Museum attracted twice as many people as in the previous year. In Chemnitz, the number of overnight stays rose by almost 20 percent in the first half of 2025, and in the Erzgebirgskreis by almost four percent.
Klepsch: Taking success into the future
"We want to take this success into the coming years. It should not remain a flash in the pan for 2025," said Klepsch. Funds have already been earmarked in the budget for the "Bridge Year 2026" in order to consolidate structures and strengthen regional cooperation. Intensive work is also already underway on a so-called legacy program, which includes the continuation of the Purple Path cultural and sculpture trail and the "Maker, business and arts" project.
Together with the twin city of Nova Gorica - Gorizia on the border between Slovenia and Italy, Chemnitz is the European Capital of Culture this year.
Copyright 2025, dpa (www.dpa.de). All rights reserved
