As part of the exhibition “Textiles?Future!”, the Chemnitz Museum of Industry will, from August 21, 2025, present insights into the textile industry and textile research of Chemnitz’s partner city Mulhouse, France. The exhibition highlights three exemplary innovative approaches in the textile sector. Following the focus on Łódź, Poland, Mulhouse is the second city to be examined more closely.
The Laboratory of Textile Physics and Mechanics (LPMT) at the University of Upper Alsace stands for excellence in research in the fields of fiber design, material characterization, and the study of one-, two-, and three-dimensional textile structures. For more than 40 years it has been training engineers in textile technology and cooperates worldwide with scientific institutions. On display are developments for the medical field, such as a textile heart valve and stents.
The company Mitwill produces fashion fabrics and apparel, ranging from industrial requirements to one-of-a-kind pieces. Its concept of creativity, speed, and international collaboration sets new standards in textile design. With more than 100 new patterns per month, a digital workflow, and sustainable production methods, Mitwill demonstrates how modern textile manufacturing can be both resource-efficient and innovative. Drawings, samples, and products will be presented.
The third project presented is “La Petite Manchester”—an experimental production school that combines recycling, craftsmanship, and practice-oriented training. Its aim is to prepare young people for the demands of the modern textile industry while making meaningful use of textile waste. In addition to workshop results, examples of upcycling promotional textiles will be shown.
Mulhouse is a city where textiles are omnipresent: in museums, in education, in research, and in production. This development began in 1746, when the city’s first textile printing manufactory laid the foundation for the growth of the textile industry. Rapid industrial expansion made Mulhouse the “Manchester of France” in the 19th century.
Although deindustrialization and global developments in the second half of the 20th century profoundly changed the city’s industry, textiles still play an important role. In a network of more than 100 institutions, textiles continue to be developed—industrially, artistically, scientifically, and socially.
“Textiles?Future!” is a project of the Association of the North-Eastern German Textile and Garment Industry (vti). The exhibition looks at the present and future of the Saxon textile industry. Saxony remains one of Europe’s most efficient and innovative textile regions, a fact that visitors get to experience first-hand. Guests are invited to touch and explore numerous products made in Chemnitz. Among them are examples from traditional companies with over 100 years of experience as well as from experimental start-ups. The exhibition is complemented by satellite presentations throughout the region, from Crimmitschau to Oederan.
More information: www.textile-future.eu
Chemnitz Museum of Industry, Zwickauer Straße 119, 09112 Chemnitz
Tue–Fri, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Sat, Sun & public holidays 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Closed: December 24, 25, 31 and January 1
Admission: included in regular museum entry
Further information: www.industriemuseum-chemnitz.de
Press contact: Almut Hertel / presse@industriemuseum-chemnitz.de