Chemnitz celebrates Nischel: The monument is the focus of the cultural program!

Chemnitz celebrates Nischel: The monument is the focus of the cultural program!

The Karl Marx Monument, affectionately known as “Nichel”, is an integral part of Chemnitz. In January 2025, the philosopher's monumental head was the focus of the opening ceremony for the Capital of Culture Chemnitz 2025. Now, in September 2025, Nischel will again be the focus when the 24-hour film “Marx” by the artist Olaf Nicolai will be shown, which thematically illuminates the famous monument.
In these turbulent times it becomes clear how important the Nischel is for the city's cultural discourse. Stefan Schmidtke, program manager of Kulturhauptstadt GmbH, emphasizes the central role of the monument in the city. It is not only a landmark, but also a projection surface for ideas and opinions that are very popular in Chemnitz.

But what is behind this impressive monument? Chemnitz, which was renamed Karl-Marx-Stadt on May 10, 1953, has an eventful history. The name was introduced without consulting the population as the city tried to develop as a model socialist city after the destruction of World War II. The Soviet sculptor Professor Lev Yefimovich Kerbel was commissioned to create a monument, and planning for its location began in 1965. Ultimately, a 7.1 meter high, 40 tonne bronze head was chosen, which sits on a 4.5 meter high granite base. This makes the Nischel one of the largest portrait busts in the world. Made from a total of 95 individual parts, the monument was inaugurated on October 9, 1971.

The local connection to the Nischel

Ramona Wagner, city guide, talks about the relaxing relationship that Chemnitz residents have with their Nischel. “For many people it’s just a part of our city,” she says. During the GDR era, the monument was the focal point for annual May Day demonstrations and other political celebrations. The Monday demonstrations in autumn 1989 also took place here, a sign of resistance. Thanks to a citizen survey that took place in 1990, Chemnitz was renamed back to its historical name. Nevertheless, the Nischel remained untouched, even if there were considerations about tearing it down - a majority was never in favor of it.

Today the Nischel is not only valued as a monument, but also used as a place for art, advertising, concerts and political statements. Martin König, a creative T-shirt designer, has taken up the topic and is selling T-shirts with the likeness of Karl Marx that convey provocative political messages. For many, the iconic monument is a license to think and discuss.

A look into the future

In the coming days, the Nischel will be in the spotlight again as part of the “Light our Vision” light art festival. The event expects many visitors and will certainly be another highlight in the series of Capital of Culture activities. The Nischel, also affectionately known as “Kopp”, remains an important part of urban life and a sign that history, art and freedom can go hand in hand. The Capital of Culture program includes a wide range of contributions: music, dance and citizen participation ensure that Chemnitz remains lively and attracts people.

Whether as a monument, a projection surface or a nostalgic look back into history, the Nischel remains an immovable anchor point in the city that will certainly tell many more stories in the future. Perhaps it is precisely this mixture of past and future that makes the little head of Chemnitz so fascinating.