8 best museums in Dresden

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Dresden is an outstanding German city in terms of culture and art. Here I present the eight best museums found here!

The best museums in Dresden

Old Masters Picture Gallery

Located in the Zwinger complex, this museum houses one of the world’s most significant painting collections. It primarily showcases European painting masterpieces from the 15th to 18th centuries.

The foundation of the collection was laid by Augustus the Strong, Elector of Saxony, which was created for Saxon rulers and aristocracy to express their power. It was opened to the public in 1855.

We can see over 750 paintings originating from various parts of Europe, including works by Italian, Spanish, French, Dutch, and German masters. One of the most famous pieces in the collection is Vermeer’s „Girl with a Pearl Earring”. Other outstanding works include pieces by Rembrandt, Titian, and Albrecht Dürer.

All information can be found here!

Green Vault

Located in the Dresden Castle, this museum reflects the wealth and artistic taste of Saxon electors and kings.

It consists of two parts: the Historisches Grünes Gewölbe (Historic Green Vault) and the Neues Grünes Gewölbe (New Green Vault). In the Historic Green Vault, objects are displayed in restored baroque-style rooms as they were visible in Augustus the Strong’s time. The New Green Vault’s modern exhibition spaces are equipped with the latest technology for proper protection of the objects.

It consists of over 4000 items, including jewelry, goldsmith’s work, precious stones, coins, as well as rare and valuable art pieces. Among the most famous pieces are the „Tears of Aurora” (a group of precious stones), as well as unique furnishings adorned with precious stones. The collection showcases artistic and craft creations from different eras, highlighting the richness of Saxon art and craftsmanship.

All information can be found here!

German Military History Museum

One of Germany’s most important military history institutions.

The museum, opened in 1897, was last significantly renovated in 2011 when a huge steel viewing platform was placed in the middle of the building, designed by famous American architect Daniel Libeskind.

Its collection consists of over 10,000 objects covering the period from the Middle Ages to the present day. The exhibited items include uniforms, weapons, medals, artworks, as well as modern military equipment. The exhibitions are arranged thematically, presenting military conflicts and their social impacts not only in German but also in European and world historical contexts.

All information can be found here!

Porcelain Collection

One of the world’s most important and valuable porcelain collections is located in the Zwinger Palace.

It contains more than 20,000 pieces. It is particularly famous for Meissen porcelain, which was Europe’s first hard-paste porcelain. A significant part of the collection consists of Chinese and Japanese porcelain from the 17th and 18th centuries.

All information can be found here!

Dresden City Museum

It presents the city’s history and cultural heritage, providing a comprehensive picture of Dresden’s development over the centuries through its collection and exhibitions.

The museum is located in the Landhaus building. It originally served as the venue for the Saxon Diet and was only later, in the 20th century, converted into a museum.

The historical collection showcases Dresden’s history from its foundation to the present day, highlighting important events in the city’s life, such as the flourishing of the Baroque era, the destruction during World War II, and the city’s reconstruction.

The art collection focuses on the works of Dresden artists but also contains international artworks related to the city’s history.

All information can be found here!

Dresden Transport Museum

One of the most significant transport museums in Germany. Through its diverse collections, it provides a comprehensive picture of the development of transport vehicles and technologies.

We can learn about the most important modes of transportation:

• Railway transport: It has an outstanding railway collection that includes early steam locomotives, passenger and freight cars, as well as modern railway technologies.
• Road transport: First cars, motorcycles, bicycles, and the evolution of various road transport vehicles.
• Air transport: Several aircraft, models, and air transport equipment showcasing the history and development of aviation.
• Water transport: The history of navigation also has a place in the museum, where ship models, navigational tools, and important moments in the history of water transport can be viewed.

All information can be found here!

Albertinum

Particularly known for its rich collection of 19th and 20th-century art.

Its building was constructed between 1884 and 1887 in Neo-Renaissance style and originally housed the antiquities collection of the Saxon Kingdom. It was named after King Albert I of Saxony, who reigned during the museum’s construction.

One of its most famous collections is the New Masters Gallery, which focuses on 19th and 20th-century painting and graphics. Works by great masters of Romanticism, Realism, Impressionism, and Symbolism can be found here, as well as modern and contemporary works.

Another outstanding part is the Sculpture Collection. This encompasses sculpture from antiquity to modern times. Additionally, Renaissance, Baroque, and contemporary sculptural works are also on display.

All information can be found here!

German Hygiene Museum

This interesting museum focuses on hygiene, health, and the human body.

The museum was founded in 1912 by Karl August Lingner, the manufacturer of the popular Odol mouthwash. The institution’s aim was to spread knowledge about hygiene and health awareness.

One of the most popular permanent exhibitions is „The Adventure of the Human Body”, which interactively presents the functioning of the human body. Visitors can learn about various body systems, organ functions, as well as the complex processes of sensory organs and the brain.

All information can be found here!