Leipzig, Germany
Leipzig: Simply Unforgettable
Promoting citizen-to-citizen friendship and city-to-city engagement since 1993
Leipzig: Simply Unforgettable
Leipzig, Germany (1993)
Leipzig and Houston became sister cities in 1993, not long after the reunification of Germany. The partnership was founded to foster citizen diplomacy and it has succeeded as valued friendships and strong connections between Houstonians and Leipzigers exist to this day.
About Leipzig: Leipzig has over 1000 years of recorded history. Commerce gave rise to the importance of the city as Leipzig is at the intersection of two important historical trade routes: the Via Regia and the Via Imperii and Leipzig’s trade fair history goes back more than 850 years. Its university is the second-oldest university in Germany, founded in 1409. Rich in music and the arts Leipzig has been home to the St. Thomas Boys Choir (Thomanerchor) for over 800 years, and its symphony, the Gewandhaus Orchester, for more than 250 years. Influential musicians Johann Sebastian Bach and Felix Mendelssohn worked and composed significant works in Leipzig and Richard Wagner was born there. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (a German poet, playwright, novelist, scientist, statesman, theatre director, critic, and amateur artist, considered the greatest German literary figure of the modern era) studied at the University of Leipzig and in his most famous work, Faust, wrote “Mein Leipzig lob’ich mir! Es ist ein klein Paris und bildet seine Leute,” which is a poetic homage to the city, comparing its culture and society with that of Paris. Others have referred to Leipzig as Little Venice, because of its many waterways and canals that enhance its charm and picturesque scenery. Even though it has a long and storied history, Leipzig is a youthful city with many students, artists, thriving companies and entrepreneurs. It is the fastest growing city in Germany according to a recent study by the Berlin Institute for Population and Development.
Key Areas of Collaboration:
- Cultural & Artistic Exchange: Music, art, dance and theatrical performances showcase the vibrant culture of each city.
- Education: Academic exchanges strengthen language learning and cross-cultural understanding.
- Business & Industry: Delegations facilitate knowledge-sharing in trade, innovation, medicine and urban development.
- Community Engagement: Meetings, programs and exchanges connect Houston and Leipzig residents through civic and cultural initiatives
Leipzig: Simply Unforgettable
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Notable Achievements / Stories:
- Peace Window installation in St. Thomas Church Leipzig in celebration of the 25 th anniversary of the Peaceful Revolution, donated by a former President of the association and his wife who is an emeritus board member as well as other Houston Rotarians (2009)
- Gewandhaus Orchestra concert at Jones Hall in Houston under the honorary chairmanship of President George H.W. Bush and Secretary of State James A. Baker (2014)
- Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner’s visit to Leipzig (2017)
- German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and MPs meet with Mayor Sylvester Turner, First Mayor Burkhard Jung, MOTIA staff, Stadt Leipzig International Office staff, Houston-Leipzig officers and Leipzig-Houston board members in Houston (2023)
- Multiple Thomanerchor concerts in Houston, most recently in 2025
Impact & Community Engagement:
Houston residents have access to German culture, arts, language and direct engagement with Leipzigers. This fosters international friendships and strengthens global connections.
