In the reign of Augustus the Strong, the Residenzschloss (Royal Palace) was the seat of power in Saxony. And it was him who first granted access to the public. To some extent, it was a flamboyant show of wealth, but on the other hand, it was a pioneering development in museum curation. However, during the bombing raids on Dresden in February 1945, the residential palace burned down completely. Only part of the historical green vault and the cellar remained intact. It has only been rebuilt a few years ago. And shines as splendidly today as it once did. A short tour.
Paradeappartements (State Apartment)
The model of Versailles is quite apparent. Augustus had a new suite of splendid rooms fitted out in the palace. The intention was primarily to impress. The State Apartment served not only for night-time repose but also for politicking. Since autumn 2019, the reconstructed apartments have been reopened to the public.
Over half a million drawings, prints and photographs from the Middle Ages to the present day are preserved here. a. from Dürer, van Eyck, Rembrandt, Piranesi, Fragonard and Friedrich to Toulouse-Lautrec, Kotzsch, Glöckner, Baselitz and Tillmans.
Kleiner und Großer Schlosshof (Minor and major castle yard)
Seen from a height, the Kleiner Schlosshof stands out by virtue of its plastic canopy designed by Peter Kulka. It is made from ETFE, an ultra-modern material that is more commonly used in the roofing of sports stadiums. Large parts of the large castle courtyard have already been reconstructed – the sgraffito facades are almost finished. This involves carefully scraping off the top layer of plaster to expose the elaborate murals beneath.
“One might almost think that one had been transported to a fairy palace,” wrote an enchanted Schopenhauer. The Grünes Gewölbe was where Augustus kept and displayed his treasures. The Historic Green Vault is a synthesis of the arts that is rooted in the Baroque period. It presents no less than 550 square metres of mirror surface and contains treasures of inestimable value. The New Green Vault in the same wing has on display the largest green diamond in the world. Individual items were stolen from the exhibition in a heist during the early hours of 25th November 2019.
Richly decorated armor, firearms, swords and sabers made of precious metals, but also magnificent clothes and riding gear – all these objects are united in the Dresden Armory. The collection, which emerged from the possession of the Saxon dukes and electors, is one of the most valuable collections of ceremonial weapons and costumes in the world and, with around 13,000 individual items, is also one of the largest.
Tickets 14 euros, reduced 10.50 euros (valid for: New Green Vault, Turkish Chamber, Armory in the Giant Hall, Royal Parade Rooms of August the Strong and Porcelain Cabinet, current special exhibitions in the Kupferstich-Kabinett, except for the Historical Green Vault)
In the reign of Augustus the Strong, the Residenzschloss (Royal Palace) was the seat of power in Saxony. And it was him who first granted access to the public. To some extent, it was a flamboyant show of wealth, but on the other hand, it was a pioneering development in museum curation. However, during the bombing raids on Dresden in February 1945, the residential palace burned down completely. Only part of the historical green vault and the cellar remained intact. It has only been rebuilt a few years ago. And shines as splendidly today as it once did. A short tour.
Paradeappartements (State Apartment)
The model of Versailles is quite apparent. Augustus had a new suite of splendid rooms fitted out in the palace. The intention was primarily to impress. The State Apartment served not only for night-time repose but also for politicking. Since autumn 2019, the reconstructed apartments have been reopened to the public.
Kupferstich-Kabinett (Engraving Cabinet)
Over half a million drawings, prints and photographs from the Middle Ages to the present day are preserved here. a. from Dürer, van Eyck, Rembrandt, Piranesi, Fragonard and Friedrich to Toulouse-Lautrec, Kotzsch, Glöckner, Baselitz and Tillmans.
Kleiner und Großer Schlosshof (Minor and major castle yard)
Seen from a height, the Kleiner Schlosshof stands out by virtue of its plastic canopy designed by Peter Kulka. It is made from ETFE, an ultra-modern material that is more commonly used in the roofing of sports stadiums. Large parts of the large castle courtyard have already been reconstructed – the sgraffito facades are almost finished. This involves carefully scraping off the top layer of plaster to expose the elaborate murals beneath.
Old Masters seen in a fresh light
After seven years of renovation, much has changed in the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister. The paintings now hang alongside the Dresden Sculpture Co
Grünes Gewölbe (Green Vault)
“One might almost think that one had been transported to a fairy palace,” wrote an enchanted Schopenhauer. The Grünes Gewölbe was where Augustus kept and displayed his treasures. The Historic Green Vault is a synthesis of the arts that is rooted in the Baroque period. It presents no less than 550 square metres of mirror surface and contains treasures of inestimable value. The New Green Vault in the same wing has on display the largest green diamond in the world. Individual items were stolen from the exhibition in a heist during the early hours of 25th November 2019.
Rüstkammer
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Richly decorated armor, firearms, swords and sabers made of precious metals, but also magnificent clothes and riding gear – all these objects are united in the Dresden Armory. The collection, which emerged from the possession of the Saxon dukes and electors, is one of the most valuable collections of ceremonial weapons and costumes in the world and, with around 13,000 individual items, is also one of the largest.
The Royal Palace – Residenzschloss Dresden
Altstadt // Taschenberg 2
Daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed on Tuesdays
Tickets 14 euros, reduced 10.50 euros (valid for: New Green Vault, Turkish Chamber, Armory in the Giant Hall, Royal Parade Rooms of August the Strong and Porcelain Cabinet, current special exhibitions in the Kupferstich-Kabinett, except for the Historical Green Vault)
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