Wednesday, 2 September, 5.00 pm to 6.30 pm **
Nine Eleven – 25 Years On – Exhibition Opening
Venue: vhs Gallery, TIETZ, Moritzstraße 20
Admission: free
Register via the link to the event
The opening of the photography exhibition ‘Nine Eleven – 25 Years On’ invites visitors to remember the time of the terrorist attacks on 11 September 2001* and to reflect on and re-examine the impact of those days. Anja Wartenberg was in New York at precisely that time. She captured what she saw and experienced there with her camera. Her photographs will be on display at the vhs Gallery from 2 September. At the opening, Anja Wartenberg will give a guided tour of the exhibition and will be happy to answer any questions.
On 10 September 2001, Anja Wartenberg landed in New York. Even as the plane approached, she marvelled at the breathtaking view of the Twin Towers of the World Trade Centre. At that moment, she had no idea that the famous skyscrapers would no longer exist the very next day.
Instead of a carefree time in the ‘Big Apple’, Anja Wartenberg experienced harrowing days, which she documented with her camera.
These photographs are now – 25 years later – on display at the vhs Gallery in the TIETZ. They no longer depict the bustling New York life before the terrorist attacks, but the immediate aftermath: chaos, uncertainty and profound changes. The images depict a metropolis in a state of emergency, whilst also capturing impressions that lie somewhere between personal perception and historical event.
Saturday, 5 September, 1 pm to 3.30 pm
Guided tour of the Hoheneck Memorial
Meeting point: An der Stalburg 6/7, 09366 Stollberg, Hoheneck
Participation: free of charge; admission to the memorial costs 10 euros (concession 7.50 euros) and is payable on the day.
Register via the event link
The tour provides an introduction to the history of the former Hoheneck prison and sheds light on the political penal system in the GDR. The prison is synonymous with the approximately 24,000 women who were imprisoned there, some for political reasons.
The guided tour provides basic information on the history of the building, the lives of the inmates, the significance of this site in German history, and explains the political context. We invite you to discover the memorial, which opened in the summer of 2024.
Tuesday, 8 September, 6.00 pm to 7.30 pm
Banned Books in the GDR – Lecture and discussion by and with Stefan Wolle
Venue: Classroom 4.07, Adult Education Centre at TIETZ, Moritzstraße 20
Admission: free
Register via the event link
In the GDR, reading and the joy of reading were strongly encouraged. At the same time, however, every printed word was subject to strict control and censorship. In the GDR, George Orwell’s book *1984* could only be read by those who held a so-called ‘Giftschein’ (special permit). Copies were kept in locked cupboards in just a few academic libraries. However, ‘forbidden literature’ also included comics and romance novels from the West. Nevertheless, Orwell and many other banned authors were still read.
This talk will explain the censorship policy in the GDR using selected examples of banned books from the GDR.
Wednesday, 9 September, 2.30 pm to 4 pm
Long-term care – what now?
Venue: Dining room of the Pro Seniore Residenz Chemnitz, Salzstraße 40
Participation: free of charge
Register via the event link
When a family member or someone close to you requires care, it raises many questions and causes a great deal of uncertainty. This specialist talk provides a concise overview of the benefits under the Long-Term Care Insurance Act (SGB XI). It highlights the key steps, from submitting an application through the assessment process to clarifying your entitlement to care allowance and benefits in kind.
Find out how to avoid mistakes and thereby secure financial stability to ensure the best possible care. The speaker, Anja Wilfert, is a care adviser at AOK Plus Chemnitz.
This event is organised in partnership with Pro Seniore Residenz Chemnitz and the Chemnitz Adult Education Centre.
Wednesday, 9 September, 5.00 pm to 7.15 pm
‘If Stones Could Speak: Undiscovered Chemnitz’ – Lecture and film
Venue: Classroom 4.07, Chemnitz Adult Education Centre (Volkshochschule) at TIETZ, Moritzstraße 20
Fee: €14.10
Register via the link to the event
In the first part, the course leader will present the latest research findings on the underground tunnel systems in southern and central Europe, in Saxony and Bavaria, and in Chemnitz.
You’ll also get to watch the film “If Stones Could Speak” about the tunnels beneath the Kaßberg, which are closely linked to Chemnitz’s history.
If stones could speak, we might learn the oldest history of Chemnitz and the region from them. But they remain silent, and so you are invited to discover the true secrets of the city and its underground caverns in the film. As viewers, you will be confronted with the fascination of Chemnitz’s cultural and natural treasures from a completely unfamiliar, indeed mysterious, perspective, based on archaeological and historical facts. Another unique feature is the guided tour of the 15th-century city, presented through an elaborate 3D animation (year of production: 2010, cinema film on DVD, approximately 90 minutes).
To complement the talk and film, the second part of the programme features an exclusive guided tour of ‘Chemnitz’s underground’ on 11 September from 4 pm to 5.30 pm.
Thursdays, 10 September to 1 October, 4 pm to 7 pm each day (4 sessions)
Ceramics course – Unique autumnal pieces, crafted by hand and with love
Venue: TIETZ, see vhs venue notice
Fee: 108.45 euros
Register via the link to the event
Immerse yourself in the world of creating your own designs with clay and enjoy a creative break full of peace and joy. In a relaxed atmosphere, you’ll create autumnal pieces such as bowls, pendants or small figurines, perfect for decorating your home or giving as gifts. Simple techniques are used for shaping, texturing and decorating. The focus is on experimenting, switching off and enjoying the creative process.
Friday, 11 September, 4.00 pm to 5.30 pm
Exclusive guided tour of Chemnitz’s underground
Meeting point: Chemnitz-Kaßberg, Fabrikstraße 6
Cost: €19.40
Register via the event link
Sometimes, a mere glimpse into the depths is enough to gain an impression of mysterious underworlds. However, experiencing these places first-hand is usually far more memorable, particularly when access for visitors is a rare occurrence or when a secret of historical, architectural or archaeological significance lies beneath the destination. This guided tour aims to do justice to these aspects and thereby shed light on a rather overlooked chapter of the city’s history.
To complement the guided tour, a talk including a film, ‘If Stones Could Speak: Undiscovered Chemnitz’, is being offered. This will take place on 9 September 2026, from 5.00 pm to 7.15 pm, and serves as a preparation for the guided tour.
Saturday, 12 September, 12.30 pm to 4.30 pm
Critical Walk: Searching for Traces – the former Fritz Heckert site and the NSU complex
Meeting point: Documentation Centre on the NSU Complex, Johannisplatz 8
Participation: free of charge
Register via the event link
This neighbourhood walk explores the architectural, social and political history of the Fritz-Heckert area. A key focus is on the neighbourhood as a place of residence, a hub for social interaction and a crime scene linked to the National Socialist Underground (NSU).
During the walk, we will visit the specific locations where the NSU network lived and committed crimes. How was the NSU network established in Chemnitz?
The neighbourhood walk begins at the Documentation Centre for the NSU Complex. All participants will travel together by tram to the Fritz-Heckert area. You must arrange your own tram ticket in advance.
This event is a collaboration between ASA-FF e. V. Chemnitz and the Chemnitz Adult Education Centre.
Monday, 14 September, 5 pm to 9 pm
The basics of end-of-life care – Last Aid course
Venue: Hospice and Palliative Care Service Chemnitz e. V., Am Karbel 61a
Participation: free of charge
Register via the link to the event
The thought of the end of life and dying makes many people feel anxious and helpless. The ‘Last Aid’ course provides basic knowledge about the end of life and aims to encourage participants to offer empathetic support to seriously ill relatives right up until their death.
Taking into account the symptoms that may arise at the end of life, the course aims to provide practical guidance on alleviating suffering, introduce farewell rituals and raise awareness of how to recognise one’s own limits.
This event is a collaboration between the Chemnitz Hospice and Palliative Care Service e. V. and the Chemnitz Adult Education Centre.
Mondays, from 14 September to 16 November, 6.45 pm to 8.15 pm (8 sessions)
Your first knitting projects
Venue: Classroom 4.12, Chemnitz Adult Education Centre (Volkshochschule) at TIETZ, Moritzstraße 20
Fee: 101.50 euros
Link to the event: www.vhs-chemnitz.de/p/557-C-W2626600
Knitting combines tradition and creativity. Learn the basics of this ancient craft and discover how simple stitches can be transformed into little masterpieces. Every stitch can be a common thread in everyday life, bringing calm, concentration and joy. In a relaxed atmosphere, you’ll try out new patterns, experiment with colours and shapes, and experience how a craft from times gone by can be transformed into modern, personal projects. No prior experience is necessary.
Saturday, 19 September, 9.30 am to 1.15 pm
Hiking fun in the Zeisigwald – Laughter Walk
Meeting point: Zeisigwaldschänke, Forststraße 100, 09131 Chemnitz
Cost: 35.50 euros
Register via the event link
You’ll experience a very special kind of walk that invigorates the senses and makes your soul laugh. Immerse yourself in four hours of fun, relaxation and positive energy. The laughter walk combines gentle movement, fresh forest air and hearty laughter. You’ll stroll along the green paths of the Zeisigwald, enjoying breathing exercises and playful laughter yoga exercises.
Best of all: no prior experience is needed for the laughter and breathing exercises, as they’re easy to learn and can be practised even more effectively outdoors.
The walking route is approximately four to five kilometres long. Surrounded by nature, there will be a break with a picnic to recharge your energy reserves.
Tuesday 22nd and Thursday 24th September, 3 pm to 6 pm on both days
Tuesday 29 September, 3 pm to 4.30 pm
Neighbourhood Support – Basic Course
Venue: Classroom 4.62, Adult Education Centre at TIETZ, Moritzstraße 20
Participation: free of charge, as the 80-euro fee will be reimbursed upon receipt of an invoice (see description)
Register via the link to the event
In this course, you will learn:
- how to care for people in need of care and those requiring general supervision, e.g. people with dementia-related impairments, intellectual disabilities or mental health conditions,
- to provide relief to family carers in the home on an hourly basis,
- to provide domestic support services,
- to provide support in everyday life and with care
and thereby to fulfil the objective set out in Section 45c(3a), first sentence, of SGB XI.
The course is recognised by most care insurance funds and is therefore free of charge for you.
Please do, however, check with your long-term care insurance provider in advance to see if they will cover the course fee. If they do not, we will have to invoice you privately for the course fee of 80 EUR per person.
The course content includes, amongst other things:
- Relevant legal provisions
- Guidelines for neighbourhood helpers
- Basic knowledge of common medical conditions
- Dealing with people experiencing confusion
- Basic knowledge of personal hygiene and nutrition
- Measures to take in emergency situations
- Practical advice and tips for your role
If you attend all sessions in full, you will receive a certificate as a neighbourhood helper. This entitles you to financial support from care insurance funds for your work.
Under Section 45a of Book XI of the Social Code (SGB XI) and the Saxon Care Support Regulations (SächsPflUVO), neighbourhood care may be provided by adults who do not live in the same household as the person requiring care, are not a registered carer under Section 19 of SGB XI and are not related to or related by marriage to the person requiring care up to the second degree.
Tuesdays, 22 September to 6 October, 5.00 pm to 6.30 pm (3 sessions)
The Art of Folding – Discover Origami
Venue: Classroom 4.09.1, Adult Education Centre at TIETZ, Moritzstraße 20
Fee: 47.30 euros
Register via the link to the event
Origami combines creativity, calm and concentration. This course covers the history and basics of origami. This meditative activity promotes focus, fine motor skills and patience. Folding has a relaxing effect, boosts concentration and helps to relieve stress. By the end of the course, participants will be able to create simple models, such as animals or modular shapes, independently.
Tuesday, 22 September, 5.00 pm to 7.15 pm
Dried Flower Art
Venue: Classroom 4.11, Adult Education Centre at TIETZ, Moritzstraße 20
Fee: 59.30 euros
Register via the event link
Create imaginative works of art using dried flowers and natural materials, and let your imagination run wild. Whether decorative arrangements, small gifts or personalised wall decorations, this course enables you to create unique pieces with a personal touch. Working creatively with dried flowers is relaxing and offers scope for experimentation and creativity. No prior experience is required.
Thursday, 24 September, 6.00 pm to 7.30 pm
Working as a foreign correspondent in Africa – talk and discussion
Venue: Online event
Participation: free of charge
Registration via the event link is open until 12 noon on 24 September. Access details will be sent by email no later than three hours before the event begins.
The journalist and academic Dr Lutz Mükke has worked as an Africa correspondent for publications including the Süddeutsche Zeitung and the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. As a reporter and academic, he has travelled to more than 30 countries across the continent. On this evening, he will talk about his work, his journalistic mission and his research.
Dr Lutz Mükke studied journalism and African studies in Leipzig and Kampala, Uganda. He was Research Director at the European Institute for Journalism and Communication Research and a leading co-founder of the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom.
Tuesday, 29 September, 5.00 pm to 8.00 pm
Remembrance requires knowledge. Biographical research into Soviet arrests and special camps – lecture and discussion
Venue: Classroom 4.07, Adult Education Centre at TIETZ, Moritzstraße 20
Admission: free
Register via the event link
Since 1990, it has been possible in eastern Germany to publicly examine the history of the Soviet special camps following the Second World War. This also applies to the arrests in Chemnitz and the surrounding area. Many of those affected were sent to Special Camp No. 2 in Buchenwald without ever having been sentenced.
Staff from the Buchenwald Memorial will provide information at this event on the history of the special camps and the latest research findings. They will offer suggestions for biographical research into those who were arrested and would like to invite anyone interested in history to join the discussion.
www.vhs-chemnitz.de
*amended on 24 August 2026
** amended on 28 August 2026