As the "Saxon Manchester", Chemnitz gave the starting signal for industrialization in Saxony, experienced rapid growth and finally deindustrialization - a profound challenge, but also an opportunity for reinvention.
With this kind of development Chemnitz is not alone in Europe. Based on the nickname "Manchester", the special exhibition (25 April to 16 November 2025) compares the development of former industrial hotspots: the French Manchester Mulhouse, Tampere in Finland, Gabrovo in Bulgaria, Łódź in Poland and, of course, the eponymous Manchester in northern England. How do they deal with their industrial heritage? What ideas do the cities have for their future and what can we learn from each other?
Besides the depiction of the development processes from the 19th century to the present day, digital extensions enable an immersive experience of the past and present, as well as various visions of the future. At the same time, digital showcases in each partner city offer insights into Chemnitz. An accompanying programme extends the exhibition into the urban space and brings the partner cities to Chemnitz.
With this kind of development Chemnitz is not alone in Europe. Based on the nickname "Manchester", the special exhibition (25 April to 16 November 2025) compares the development of former industrial hotspots: the French Manchester Mulhouse, Tampere in Finland, Gabrovo in Bulgaria, Łódź in Poland and, of course, the eponymous Manchester in northern England. How do they deal with their industrial heritage? What ideas do the cities have for their future and what can we learn from each other?
Besides the depiction of the development processes from the 19th century to the present day, digital extensions enable an immersive experience of the past and present, as well as various visions of the future. At the same time, digital showcases in each partner city offer insights into Chemnitz. An accompanying programme extends the exhibition into the urban space and brings the partner cities to Chemnitz.
