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Museum Night in Halle and Leipzig marred by transport chaos after midnight

A cultural celebration turned into a logistical nightmare. Free trains were promised—but when the S3 vanished, chaos erupted at Leipzig Central Station.

The image shows a group of people standing in front of a train in a museum. Some of the people are...
The image shows a group of people standing in front of a train in a museum. Some of the people are wearing bags and holding strollers, while others are admiring the trains on display. The museum is filled with pillars, railings, and lights on the ceiling, and there is a board with text on the left side of the image.

Museum Night in Halle and Leipzig marred by transport chaos after midnight

Thousands of visitors attended the joint Long Night of Museums in Halle and Leipzig over the weekend. The event offered a packed programme for all ages, with guided tours and special exhibitions across both cities. However, the evening ended in frustration for many as transport problems left travellers stranded.

The Museum Night featured free entry to major venues. In Leipzig, guests explored the Grassi Museum of Applied Arts, the Bach Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts. Halle’s highlights included the Handel House, the Moritzburg Art Museum, and the State Museum of Prehistory. Organisers had promised free public transport for ticket holders, covering S-Bahn trains between the two cities.

After midnight, the return journey turned chaotic. The S3 service to Halle was cancelled without warning, forcing all passengers onto the S5 train from Leipzig Central Station. The S5 quickly filled beyond capacity, leaving dozens of people unable to board. With the next S5 not due for over an hour, many faced long waits or had to find alternative routes home.

The event itself drew large crowds and showcased the cultural offerings of both cities. Yet the transport failures overshadowed the evening for those struggling to return. Free travel had been a key part of the night’s appeal, but the sudden cancellation and overcrowding left visitors disappointed.

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