In the major European special exhibition “Tales of Transformation”, the Chemnitz Museum of Industry tells stories of courage, inventiveness, crises, commitment, and reinvention from April 25 to November 16, 2025.
Chemnitz is regarded as the cradle of industrialization in Germany and Saxony, earning the nickname “Saxon Manchester” as early as 1859. But Gabrovo in Bulgaria, Łódź in Poland, Mulhouse in France, and Tampere in Finland are also considered “European Manchesters.” Together with the original Manchester in northern England, they form the focus of this exhibition. All of these cities were industrial hotspots, experienced rapid growth during industrialization, and have faced - or still face - the challenge of repositioning themselves in an ever-changing world.
How do these cities handle their industrial heritage? What strategies do industry and commerce develop to remain competitive? The exhibition brings together inspiring stories of people who give historic industrial buildings new life or rethink entrepreneurship and industrial production. Let yourself get inspired by these stories of transformation, and join us in envisioning the future! Here, foundries become universities, spinning mills turn into loft apartments, and factory halls are transformed into studio buildings.
Chemnitz is at the center of the special exhibition, and six sites of transformation are highlighted: NILES-SIMMONS-HEGENSCHEIDT, schönherr.fabrik, the Spinnbau, the University Library, the Wanderer Works, and the Wirkbau. Through the themes of identity, work, entrepreneurship, nature, and innovation, the exhibition vividly illustrates how multifaceted transformation in Chemnitz has been and continues to be.
Around 100 objects from the 19th century up to 2025 are on display. The iconic Wanderer Trophy tells of the heyday of Chemnitz as the “Saxon Manchester,” while millimeter-precise waterjet-cut components showcase the innovation of today’s start-ups. Did you know that almost every mobile phone worldwide contains parts processed with Chemnitz machines? The Nokia Communicator 9000 exemplifies how Tampere overcame its crisis in the 1990s, and a sculpture by artist Nevena Ekimova illustrates how Gabrovo transformed its former textile vocational school into a center for contemporary art.
These numerous Tales of Transformation are also an invitation - true to the motto “C the Unseen” - to take a closer look at everyday life. What defines my city? What do I wish for its future? The exhibition’s immersive center allows visitors to vote on Chemnitz’s vision for the future and immediately see how their decisions impact five locations in the city.
When the exhibition ends, an individual discovery tour begins: suggested routes on a digital map invite visitors to explore more than 20 sites of transformation in Chemnitz. Additionally, the museum offers a supporting program with lectures, workshops, and educational activities. The 5th Steampunk Festival transports visitors to industrial-age visions of the future, the EuroBean Chocolate Festival showcases chocolate creations from Europe and beyond, and the Chemnitz Museum of Industry Open Air invites visitors to concerts in the green oasis behind the museum. In the specially developed game “Stadtbalance”, young participants become city planners and experience firsthand how challenging it is to balance culture and industry, or nature and economic value, in urban development.
The connection between the cities goes beyond their shared history and challenges: Łódź, Manchester, Mulhouse, and Tampere are partner cities of Chemnitz, while Gabrovo is a partner city of Mittweida, which also belongs to the European Capital of Culture region. In all cities, the Chemnitz Museum of Industry has cultural, municipal, and personal partners who made the exhibition possible, as well as numerous supporters in Chemnitz itself.
Download the Press release in pdf Format
The Chemnitz Museum of Industry is open:
Tue–Fri: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. | Sat, Sun & public holidays: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. | Closed May 8
Information and Registration:
Chemnitz Museum of Industry, Zwickauer Straße 119, 09112 Chemnitz
Phone: +49 (0) 371 3676-140, Email: kontakt@saechsisches-industriemuseum.de
Guided Tour Registration: +49 (0) 371 3676-410 oder muspaed@industriemuseum-chemnitz.de
Press Contact:
Almut Hertel, Zwickauer Straße 119, 09112 Chemnitz
Phone: +49 (0) 371 36 76 135, Email: hertel@industriemuseum-chemnitz.de
Press download: www.industriemuseum-chemnitz.de/presse
A project within the framework of the European Capital of Culture Chemnitz 2025. This measure is co-financed with tax funds based on the budget approved by the Saxon State Parliament and federal funds from the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media.