A delegation from Chemnitz is travelling to Slovakia for the official opening of the European Capital of Culture Trenčín 2026. From Friday to Sunday, 13 to 15 February, Mayor Dagmar Ruscheinsky, Ferenc Csák, Head of Cultural Operations, and the Managing Directors of the European Capital of Culture Chemnitz 2025 gGmbH, Andrea Pier and Stefan Schmidtke, will take part in the opening celebrations.
The motto of the opening weekend is "City as a Stage". On Saturday 14 February at 3 pm, the official opening ceremony will take place at Trenčín Castle with the participation of Dagmar Ruscheinsky and Andrea Pier. The opening gala "Manifesto Trenčín 2026" will follow at 6 pm on the Peace Square (Mierové námestie) as a free evening programme.
On Sunday, 15 February, the delegation will visit Trenčín Castle, where exhibitions by international artists are currently on display, including works by Japanese artist Yasuaki Onishi, Portuguese artist Carla Rebelo and Turkish artists such as Kerem Ozan Bayraktar and Ahmet Rüstem Ekici.
Cultural exchange between Chemnitz and Trenčín
The cities are linked by a growing cultural cooperation. During Europe Week, the Slovakian folk ensemble Nadšenci performed at Chemnitz Neumarkt on 8 May 2025. The singer SJU from Trenčín performed in Chemnitz for the Garage Festival on 7 June 2025. The volunteer coordinators from both cities also met in Chemnitz to share experiences and develop joint ideas.
Note to the media
Photos of the event are available from the host city at this link.