The European Commission has awarded the title of ‘European Capital of Culture’ every year since 1985. Chemnitz is one of the fastest growing cities in Germany and is a technology centre with a focus on the automotive and automotive supply industry, information technology and mechanical engineering. The city's eventful history and its contrasts between tradition and modernity are also reflected in its urban development. Buildings in the Bauhaus and New Objectivity styles can be found as well as the largest contiguous Art Nouveau neighbourhood in Europe, the Kaßberg. In addition to residential and industrial architecture from the Wilhelminian era, the cityscape is also characterised by socialist and contemporary architecture. The economic success story is driven by research institutions such as the Technical University and various Fraunhofer Institutes as well as medium-sized, mostly family-run companies. Chemnitz also offers a wide range of attractions for art and culture lovers, such as the Chemnitz Art Collections and the Gunzenhauser Museum with an impressive collection of classical modern art, the Saxon Industrial Museum, the Saxon State Theatre and the Robert Schumann Philharmonic Orchestra. Places such as the castle pond with the neighbouring Küchwaldpark and the historic city park along the Chemnitz river provide peace and relaxation. Under the motto C THE UNSEEN, the European Capital of Culture is opening up the hidden beauty and untold stories of this city and its region as an often unnoticed periphery in the heart of Europe with a broad and diverse programme. Chemnitz invites the population and visitors to discover new perspectives and get involved in a variety of ways. Because doing things together creates better togetherness, the city wants to actively bring people together in many areas, whether crafts, technology, art, culture, sport or democratic values.
