A former cotton mill turned into more than 100 galleries and artist studios, birthplace of the New Leipzig School
The Leipziger Baumwollspinnerei, in the Plagwitz district of Leipzig, Saxony, was once continental Europe's largest cotton mill and now houses more than 100 studios, a dozen galleries, and several project spaces spread across red-brick industrial halls and courtyards. It is best known as the birthplace of the New Leipzig School painting movement associated with artists such as Neo Rauch, whose studio remains on site. Visitors move freely between converted spinning halls to browse gallery shows, watch printmakers and sculptors at work through open studio doors, and see how turbine houses and warehouses have been adapted into exhibition space without erasing their industrial fittings. A visit typically takes two to four hours depending on how many of the roughly 15 galleries are open; weekends and the twice-yearly open studio weekends draw the largest crowds, while weekday afternoons are quiet enough to see artists working. The site's chimney and water tower offer good exterior photo subjects, and the courtyards between halls B, D, and H frame the brick architecture well in late afternoon light.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Galleries typically Tue-Sat 14:00-18:00, hours vary by individual studio; open-studio Rundgang weekends several times a year |
| Typical visit | 2-3 hours |
| Address | Spinnereistraße 7, 04179 Leipzig, Germany |
Location
Spinnereistraße 7, 04179 Leipzig, Germany
Highlights
- Halle 14 contemporary art exhibition space
- Neo Rauch's studio and the New Leipzig School legacy
- Open artist studios visible along the mill's converted halls
- Former spinning mill's industrial brick architecture and water tower
- Rotating gallery exhibitions across more than a dozen venues on site
Tips for visiting
- Entry to the grounds and most galleries is free, though some special exhibitions charge admission
- Many studios and smaller galleries are closed on Mondays; check individual gallery hours before visiting
- The biannual open studio weekends draw large crowds and are the best time to see artists working directly
- A printed site map is available at the entrance kiosk to help navigate the numbered halls
- Public parking is limited near the entrance on Spinnereistrasse, so trams from central Leipzig are a practical alternative
When to visit
Weekday afternoons offer the quietest browsing, while the spring and autumn open studio weekends are the best time to see artists actively working in their spaces.
Accessibility
The complex spans multiple brick industrial buildings connected by paved courtyards, which are generally step-free, though individual gallery entrances vary and some upper floors are reached only by stairs.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to the Spinnerei take?
Most visitors spend two to four hours browsing galleries and studios, longer during open studio weekends when more spaces are accessible.
Is the Spinnerei worth visiting with kids?
It suits older children and teens interested in art more than young children, since content is contemporary gallery work rather than interactive exhibits.
Is photography allowed at the Spinnerei?
Photography of the courtyards and exterior architecture is generally allowed; individual galleries may restrict photography of specific artworks.