Frei Otto x Kengo Kuma

The exhibition Beyond Geometry at the Art Collections at Theaterplatz is dedicated, as part of the European Capital of Culture year 2025, to two internationally renowned star architects of their time: the visionary Frei Otto (1925–2015), born in Siegmar, Chemnitz, and the Japanese architectural icon Kengo Kuma (*1954). What unites these architects is an open, innovative approach that harmonizes nature and architecture — a central theme that the exhibition traces through original models and photographs. On the occasion of Frei Otto’s 100th birthday and the 10th anniversary of his death, Beyond Geometry not only honors the significant work of this native of Chemnitz but also celebrates the city’s Genius Loci.

Opening: April 2, 2025, 6:15 p.m.
Welcome: Florence Thurmes (General Director of the Chemnitz Art Collections), Kengo Kuma – video message (architect and founder of Kengo Kuma & Associates), Anke Häber (Vice Rector for Education, West Saxon University of Applied Sciences Zwickau), Isabella Hofmann (Co-curator of Schneeberger Geflecht)
Panel discussion: Ingo Seifert (Mayor of the City of Schneeberg), Dagmar Ruscheinsky (Mayor for Social Affairs, Youth, Health, Culture and Sports of the City of Chemnitz)
Moderation: Florence Thurmes, Isabella Hofmann