Leipzig, Germany Attractions

Alte Spinnerei

Built as a cotton factory, the Alte Spinnerei is now a collection of more than a dozen different art galleries, including a non-profit gallery. More than a century ago this was the largest cotton spinning mill in Europe, with 240,000 spindles, 20,000 thread-twisting spindles and 208 combing machines. In 2000, the machinery was finally shut down and artists began moving in, attracted by inexpensive rent. Today, thousands of visitors come to the old factory to see paintings, sculpture, photography, video, and other fine arts. The first Alte Spinnerei galleries opened in 2005. In the spring, a special gallery tour festival is held.