Chemnitz offers a variety of cultural activities. Spectacular performances in the theatre or opera house, one of the most modern ones in Europe are well-known in the world. Also the Robert-Schumann-philharmonic orchestra is worth a visit as well as the Puppet Theatre.

Chemnitz’s museum landscape also enjoys a good reputation: The City Art Gallery’s large collection shows works of Karl Schmidt-Rottluff as well as a highbrow exhibition showing e.g. 100 paintings of French symbolists. The Museum of Industry shows exhibitions of the Saxon industry culture. There is the museum of natural history housing the famous Petrified Forest, the "Schlossbergmuseum" with exhibitions of the history of the city, the new Saxon gallery, the museum of trains, a museum showing Saxon cars and a museum of school history.

Famous attractions are the Rabenstein castle, the smallest preserved castle in Saxony, the mine-museum "Felsendome Rabenstein" as well as the Klaffenbach castle offering versatile events and exhibitions.

A lively independent cultural scene consisting of societies, artists and galleries gives Chemnitz an individual, cultural touch.

Traditional highlights in the cultural life are the annual cultural days "Chemnitzer Begegnungen", the Saxon Mozart festival, the days of the Jewish culture and the weeks for intellectual.