Chemnitz is the European Capital of Culture. What about its cultural identity as a metropolis in an industrial region? Initially it was rooted in textile production!

But after 1989, the number of employees in the eastern textile industry fell by nine tenths – textile was declared dead. 

Today, textiles* from Saxony fly as aeroplanes, support buildings, filter blood ... 

Over 500 companies cover the entire textile range. There is also research and training. The common thread? Sustainability, following on ‘The 17 Global Goals’** of the United Nations.

Material enough to highlight textile’s present and future in 2025 at nine exciting textile locations in the region – and to burst at all regional seams: 

At the Chemnitz Industrial Museum, European partners are also showcasing their present and future textiles.

‘Cloth contact’ expressly desired!

* Snowboard, tailor-made suit, concrete furniture, protective vest ... So, what does ‘textile’ actually mean?

Firstly, materials – natural or man-made fibres. Secondly, manufacturing processes for yarns, surfaces, 3D structures. Thirdly, products made from them, that is: twisted yarns, ropes ... woven fabrics, knitted fabrics ... hosiery or component reinforcements ...

** The United Nations ‘Pact for the Future’ already has great significance for the textile and clothing industry. This is exemplified by the products and working methods of the Saxon textile industry and its research and education partners because production here is carried out to the highest environmental, social and quality standards.