25 years of Villa Esche as a meeting place for business, art and culture
Villa Esche is celebrating a special anniversary: 25 years ago, following extensive restoration, the Art Nouveau villa designed by Henry van de Velde was opened to serve its new purpose as a venue for business, art and culture. To mark the occasion, it is hosting a festive afternoon on 29 August 2026 with long-standing supporters, partners and guests. With this anniversary celebration, Villa Esche looks back on a successful quarter of a century and invites everyone to join in celebrating history, architecture, culture and the connections forged here.
In December 2001, the building – designed in 1902 by Henry van de Velde for the Chemnitz hosiery manufacturer Herbert Esche – was reopened in the presence of the then Federal President, Dr Johannes Rau. Following three years of meticulous restoration, Villa Esche has become one of the region’s most renowned venues, a sought-after conference venue and Germany’s first Henry van de Velde Museum.
The anniversary celebrations pay tribute to the building’s eventful history whilst also offering insights into its cultural heritage. Visitors can look forward to a varied programme featuring birthday greetings in word, image, music and dance, as well as performances by surprise guests. After coffee and birthday cake, the presentation of the expanded new edition of the book ‘A Tour of Villa Esche’ will provide an opportunity to look back on the past 25 years together. To round off the event, all guests will receive a copy of the book as a memento of the anniversary celebrations.
Other special highlights include the ‘Restoration Showcase’, where the craft firms involved will present their work on the restoration of this architectural monument. In addition, a fashion show will feature designer dresses made from Henry van de Velde’s fabrics, which have been reconstructed for the restoration of Villa Esche. This brings a piece of original design history and Saxon textile history back to life.
As a lasting memento of the anniversary, a tree will be planted in the villa’s park and a new stele will be unveiled, which will in future commemorate Henry van de Velde’s wife, Maria, and her significant role in the design of the park.
Anniversary celebrations
From an industrialist’s villa, through a period of decline and restoration, to an events venue: 2001–2026: 25 years of Villa Esche as a meeting place for business, art and culture Services included: 1 coffee and cake set, a short guided tour, a programme featuring spoken word, music and dance, and 1 copy of the new book.
Tickets are available at all Eventim ticket outlets, including City Ticket Chemnitz (Hartmannstr. 3A, 09111 Chemnitz), Theater Chemnitz (Markt 1, 09111 Chemnitz), in Freie Presse shops and at www.villaesche.de.