To this day, traces of Leipzig’s formative industrial era can be seen throughout the city. A particular highlight is the 90-hectare landmark of industrial architecture in the trendy Plagwitz district. The first planned large-scale industrial area in Germany, this district is located in the west of Leipzig. Following the successful renovation and conversion of the 19th-century Gründerzeit buildings, there are now many magnificent brickworks structures to admire. Exclusive art and cultural centres have sprung up in former factory buildings.
Industrial culture
Mining and Technology Park
Explore Saxony's industrial heritage!
The Leipzig New Lake District owes its origins to decades of extraction, refining and utilisation of the natural resource lignite.
Across approx. 5.4 ha of land typical of open-cast mining, the park authentically and comprehensibly presents the entire production cycle of an open-cast mining operation. The bow stretches from the deconstruction of the cultivated landscape to the preparation of the apron and the lowering of groundwater, over the overburden movement and the coal production to the reconstruction of the terrain and the renovation of entire landscape areas.
© Szymon Nitka
© Daniel Koehler
Spinnerei Art Centre
From Cotton to Culture...
Formerly the largest cotton spinning mill in continental Europe, the area is now one of the most interesting locations for the production and exhibition of contemporary art and culture.
Group tours of the Spinnerei site are available from Tuesday to Saturday. Customised group tours are available on request.
The in-depth tour lasts approx. 2 hours. The tour provides a glimpse into the history and development concept of the cotton spinning mill. You can also visit the archive, 4-6 of the 14 galleries, exhibition areas and two workshops (no artists' studios).
Kunstkraftwerk Leipzig
Walking through the listed halls and cellars today, you can feel their history with your hands. The foundations of the boilers have been preserved, as well as a coal funnel, a dust filter, steam distributors, conveyor belts, the control centre and much more - not post-industrial charm, but authentic memories.
Individual guided tours through the IMMERSIVE ART multimedia shows and installations or behind the scenes can be arranged.
© Tom Williger
© Harald Göbl
Panometer Leipzig
In the Panometer (a neologism of "Panorama" and "Gasometer") you can immerse yourself in the largest 360° panoramas in the world and feel part of this spectacular setting.
In the former Gasometer II, built in 1910, the 360° panoramas created by the artist Yadegar Asisi have been shown since 2003.
Groups can arrange their own dates in advance for a maximum of 20 people per guided tour through the accompanying exhibition and the circular image.
Tapetenwerk
About 20 artists as well as other creative design and handicraft businesses work in the former wallpaper factory.
During the Tapentenwerk festivities with a spring and autumn tour most of the studios, art rooms, workshops, the Shredderei Café and the factory canteen are open.
Dates for individual group tours up to 20 participants can be arranged.
© Tom Williger