Future of the Göltzschtalgalerie uncertain: Auerbach hopes for clarity!

Future of the Göltzschtalgalerie uncertain: Auerbach hopes for clarity!

There is currently great uncertainty in Auerbach regarding the future of the Göltzschtalgalerie. The traditional cultural institution, which has had a permanent place in the city's cultural life for over 30 years, is currently confronted with unclear prospects. Mayor Jens Scharff is eagerly waiting for the property value of the gallery, which is owned by the Vogtland district, to be determined. An official letter was sent to the district in August 2025, but the value of the property has not yet been conclusively determined, which makes planning difficult. If negotiations for a purchase are not concluded by the end of the year, the city is prepared to temporarily rent the gallery.

An exit from the district's own Vogtland Kultur GmbH was decided a year ago. The reasons for this are varied: increased costs and falling subsidies from the cultural area pot are affecting the city. The goal is clear: from 2026, the city of Auerbach wants to operate the Göltzschtalgalerie on its own. To advance this plan, an operator concept is also in the works. However, it is to be feared that there will be an interruption in operations after the turn of the year, as careful planning is necessary in the cultural sector in order to hold events successfully.

Interested in cultural institutions and event locations

The city not only wants to preserve the Göltzschtalgalerie as a cultural institution, but also offer it as a wedding location. It is precisely this multifunctional use that could make a decisive contribution to the attractiveness of the gallery. The challenge ultimately lies in clarifying the financial framework conditions. In this context, the federal funding program “Investments in nationally important cultural institutions in Germany” (INK) could play an important role. With a volume of up to 20 million euros per year, the federal government supports cultural institutions in renovations and modernizations in order to strengthen the cultural infrastructure in Germany and create equal conditions in all regions, as kulturstaatsminister.de reports.

The provision of up to 50% of the project expenditure by the federal government could help Auerbach to realize necessary investments in a timely manner, should they be included in the planning. However, projects require a certain lead time as applications must be submitted by November 15th of the previous year. Whether the city of Auerbach can seize this opportunity depends, among other things, on the rapid clarification of the property value.

The Borchert town remains excited about further developments regarding the Göltzschtalgalerie and hopes for a positive turnaround that will give the cultural institution a secure future. Stay tuned for current information and background information on the situation, which offers both strengths and challenges for Auerbach.

Further information can also be found at spitzenstadt.de and blick.de.