Schönherr Factory, Schönherrstraße 8
Louis Ferdinand Schönherr started the industrial serial production of looms here from 1851 – already 20 years later, he produced the 10,000th loom there. A foundry of its own, a company fire brigade, and the production expanded to spool and even construction machines – all this was located on the approximately 83,000 square meter site. After gradual renovation since 1990, a broad range of new ideas, uses, and tenants has emerged.
Old Stock Spinning Mill – University Library, Straße der Nationen 33
Located in close proximity to Chemnitz main station, the Old Stock Spinning Mill presents an impressive sight after its comprehensive renovation. Formerly a spinning mill, then the main seat of the city library and stage of the puppet theater, the building is now used (and will be used) by the Technical University Chemnitz as a university library and archive.
Haase Factory, Rochlitzer Straße 19
With the granting of the bleaching privilege in 1357, the foundation was laid for the development of Chemnitz into a textile location. Along the rivers, weaving mills, spinning mills, and drying houses were established – but also dyeing facilities, such as those of the industrialist Theodor Haase. Carefully renovated, this imposing brick building is now once again a medium-sized company headquarters.
Janssen Factory, Schlossstraße 12
Directly opposite the Haase Factory, on the other side of the river, is the former William Janssen hosiery factory from 1894. Today, one can live there, shop – or dine well in the “Janssen” restaurant.
Hartmann Factory, Fabrikstraße 11
The Hartmann Factory was built in 1864 and was once part of the globally successful machine engineering company of the "Locomotive King" Richard Hartmann.
As it was then a center of industrial progress, the Hartmann Factory today is again a place for creativity and innovation and a symbol of the city's ability to transform, shaped by many transformation processes. In 2025, the Hartmann Factory served as a visitor and information center. From 2026 onwards, various events will take place here.
Youth Hostel “eins”, Getreidemarkt 1
A forming plant for the trams in the city center was needed – hence, around 1908, an appropriate building was constructed on the edge of downtown Chemnitz. A functional building with sharp edges in the style of modern objectivity was supplemented in the Roaring Twenties – and survived the 1945 bombing raid. Today, one can stay overnight or hold conferences there: the youth hostel “eins” offers enough space for that!
Museum of Saxon Vehicles, Zwickauer Straße 77
History can best be understood at historical locations. Therefore, it is logical that the Museum of Saxon Vehicles is housed in a parking garage. Specifically: in the Stern Garages built in 1928, one of the oldest preserved multi-storey car parks in Germany.
Poelzig Building, Ulmenstraße 3
This property, currently still under renovation, was once home to the textile industry. The building designed by architect Hans Poelzig stands as a key object of industrial history at the threshold between expressionism and objectivity and represents modernity in Chemnitz. After the conversion, spacious apartments will be created here.
Saxon Industrial Museum Chemnitz, Zwickauer Straße 119
Located in the former premises of several foundries, the Saxon Industrial Museum at its Chemnitz location offers a good insight into more than 200 years of Saxon industrial history. As a venue of the 2020 state exhibition, the focus here is on machines.
Beckerbrücke Viaduct, Beckerstraße / Annaberger Straße
As a successor to a stone bridge over the Chemnitz River, the viaduct was completed in its present form by 1909. It still stands as a symbol of networking and committed citizenship and is an outstanding and identity-forming industrial monument.
Wirkbau, Annaberger Straße 73
The foundation stone for the Wirkbau was laid as early as 1883 – it was followed by the development of a complex building site including the distinctive clock tower. Carl Schubert and Bruno Salzer established here Germany’s largest factory for textile machines. Today many parts are generously renovated and a new home for many companies, artists, and gastronomic establishments.
Villa Esche, Parkstraße 58
Flourishing industry sometimes leads to great wealth, so it's not surprising that textile manufacturer Herbert Eugen Esche commissioned the Belgian architect Henry van de Velde in 1902 to build his villa. The ensemble has been largely preserved and today serves as a museum and event venue.
