Old Share Spinning Mill – University Library, Straße der Nationen 33
Located in close proximity to the Chemnitz main train station, the Old Share Spinning Mill presents an impressive sight after its comprehensive renovation. Formerly a spinning mill, then the main location of the city library and stage for the puppet theater, the building is now used by the Technical University of Chemnitz as a university library and archive.
Schönherr Factory, Schönherrstraße 8
From 1851, Louis Ferdinand Schönherr started industrial series production of looms here – just 20 years later, he produced the 10,000th loom. The site, covering about 83,000 square meters, included its own foundry, a company fire department, and production extended to spool and even construction machinery. Following gradual renovation since 1990, the site has developed a wide range of new ideas, uses, and tenants.
Haase Factory, Rochlitzer Straße 19
The granting of the bleaching privilege in 1357 laid the foundation for Chemnitz’s development into a textile location. Along the rivers, weaving mills, spinning mills, and drying houses were established – but also dye works such as those of industrialist Theodor Haase. Carefully renovated, this impressive brick building today houses a medium-sized company headquarters again.
Janssen Factory, Schloßstraße 12
Directly opposite the Haase Factory, on the other side of the river, lies the former William Janssen hosiery factory from 1894. Today, one can live there, shop – or enjoy good food at the “Janssen” restaurant.
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 corners and edges in the style of modern sobriety was added in the Roaring Twenties – and survived the 1945 bombing raid. Today, you can stay overnight or hold meetings there: the youth hostel “eins” offers enough space for that!
Becker Bridge Viaduct, Beckerstraße / Annaberger Straße
As the successor to a stone bridge over the Chemnitz, the viaduct in its current form was completed by 1909. It stands as a symbol of networking and committed civic spirit to this day 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 – followed by the construction of a complex building site including the distinctive clock tower. Carl Schubert and Bruno Salzer established Germany’s largest factory for textile machines here. Many parts are now generously renovated and serve as a new home for numerous companies, artists, and gastronomic establishments.
Museum for Saxon Vehicles, Zwickauer Straße 77
History can be best understood at historical sites. Therefore, it is only logical that the Museum for Saxon Vehicles is located in a parking garage. Specifically: in the 1928-built Stern Garages, one of the oldest preserved multi-story garages in Germany.
Saxon Industrial Museum Chemnitz, Zwickauer Straße 119
Located in the former premises of several foundries, the Saxon Industrial Museum at its Chemnitz site 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.
Poelzig Building, Ulmenstraße 3
Also in this building, currently still under renovation, the textile industry was once housed. Designed by architect Hans Poelzig, the building serves as a key object of industrial history on the threshold between expressionism and sobriety, representing modernity in Chemnitz. After conversion, spacious apartments will be created here.
Villa Esche, Parkstraße 58
Flourishing industry sometimes leads to great wealth, which is why it is not surprising that textile manufacturer Herbert Eugen Esche commissioned Belgian architect Henry van de Velde in 1902 to build his villa. The ensemble has largely been preserved and today serves as a museum and event venue.
