One of the most beautiful cities in Germany is unofficially called Florence on the Elbe. In terms of the number of architectural sights, cultural and historical monuments and museums, Dresden is not inferior to the famous Florence. This unique city literally rose from the ashes of military destruction to become the center of European art. Unforgettable impressions are left by the numerous Museums of Dresden, carefully restored after the war.

Military History Museum

This incredibly interesting museum institution staggers the imagination even with its appearance. The classical building of the arsenal (1887), in which it is based, is, as it were, dissected by a huge metal wedge. It symbolizes the destruction caused by the bombardment (its tip is aimed at the place of the aiming devices for shelling). Equally interesting and captivating are the contents of the expositions covering periods from 1300 to the present.

More than 10 thousand exhibits are presented here, placed on 13 thousand square meters. m. The equipment of different branches of the armed forces, all kinds of weapons, models of ships and submarines, archival documents and photos reflect the 7-century history of military battles. You can learn a lot of new things by studying thematic stands about the specific features of the war and its connection with various spheres of society.

Free tours for tourists are held on the following days: Monday – Friday (except Wednesday) at 14.00; Sat. – 11.00, 12.00, 14.00; Sun. – 11.00, 12.00, 14.00, 15.00.

Dresden City Museum

Among its fellows, the Dresden City Museum is the largest and most important in terms of significance. All sections of the city's development are presented in its expositions: history, art, life, culture, science, music. From 30 thousand exhibits, you can get a complete picture of the life and life of the townspeople in different eras, get acquainted with the life of outstanding personalities of Dresden. Here are a lot of items that have lost their use in everyday life. Stunning collections of ancient musical instruments, clothes, weapons.

No one remains indifferent at the sight of children‘s toys, which were used back in knightly times. A lot of interesting things can be seen in the numismatics department – medals of various degrees, coins of the past, etc. A large-scale institution has a voluminous collection of scientific documents and a collection of inventions. Among them are valuable daguerreotypes, photographs, postcards with images of urban objects (late 19th century – 30s of the 20th century).

Opening hours: from 10.00 to 18.00 daily, except Monday.

Armouries

The collection of weapons, military armor, portraits of military leaders, parade uniforms, stored in the Armory of Dresden, has more than 10 thousand items. Of these, 2200 items of cold and firearms. Sabers, swords, swords, daggers, pistols, revolvers, guns are on display. The first weapon collector was the Duke of Saxony Albrecht the Brave (1443-1500). At the end of his reign, all historical values, including weapons, from various castles were brought to Dresden. Arms collection in the 19th century. was kept in the Zwinger Palace and was open for inspection.

After the defeat of Hitler, some of the exhibits were taken to Leningrad and, after restoration, exhibited in the Hermitage. In 1958 everything was returned to Dresden. Today visitors see real masterpieces of the 16th-18th century gunsmiths. – items of cold weapons. Magnificent samples of firearms (1.4 thousand pistols and 1.6 thousand rifles) are presented. Admiration is caused by items of clothing – dresses of medieval ladies embroidered with precious stones, knightly armor. Helmets, armor, chain mail have personalized engravings – a living history.

German Hygiene Museum

Established in 1912, the scientific and educational institution was designed to acquaint citizens with the anatomical structure of a person, with the basics of hygiene and proper nutrition. The museum building is located on the square. Lingnerplatz, named after its founder, manufacturer and industrialist. In 1930, a new building was built for the opening of the 2nd International Hygiene Exhibition. At the same time, a unique exhibit “Glass Man” was created – an excellent tool for studying the anatomy of organs.

The bombings of 1945 did not bypass the museum building – it was badly damaged, many exhibits were destroyed. Now the German Hygiene Museum is very popular with children and adults. Schoolchildren visit the exhibition “Our Five Senses”, learning the rules of hygiene, getting acquainted with the structure of the human body. Visitors have the opportunity to visually see the location and functional relationship of organs, get acquainted with modern medical devices. Exhibitions, seminars, conferences are held here.

Opening hours: Tuesday-Sun. (Monday – closed), from 10.00 to 18.00.

Transport Museum

The most beautiful building in the neo-Renaissance style, which today houses various types of transport, has a rich history. In the 16th century Under Elector Christian I, it served as a stable. Later, the 2nd floor was erected on it with large arched windows and a pompous front staircase was added, which became an architectural decoration. During the war years, railway equipment from the Saxon Railway Museum was stored under the roof of the former stables. It served as the basis for the creation of a new museum institution of transport (1956).

A huge number of exhibits – samples of various types of transport is amazing and fully illustrates the history of the country's transport development. 6 permanent exhibitions introduce transport equipment for various purposes: cars, railway locomotives, wagons, horse-drawn and electric trams, airplanes, bicycles, motorcycles. Among them are genuine rarities – the first German steam locomotive “Muldenthal” (1861), a 3-wheeled retro car (1886), a glider (1894), the first truck (1927), etc.

Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 10.00-18.00, Monday. – exit.

Gallery of Old Masters

An art gallery with paintings by masters of the past is open in the beautiful Zwinger Palace. It's called the Old Masters Gallery. The interiors are decorated without much pomp, quite simply. The walls are painted in one tone, low decorative panels below, and modest bas-reliefs under the ceiling. Everything is done so that nothing distracts visitors from contemplating the priceless masterpieces of the brush.

The paintings, hung in 2 rows, captivate the eye and imagination with old stories, mastery of the image and unfading colors. Cozy soft sofas are installed in the center of the halls, where you can relax without looking up from the tour. On the ground floor of the building, the halls present the works of Italian painters of the 1st period of the Renaissance.

Paintings by Raphael, Botticelli, Tiepolo, Titian and other representatives of the 16th-18th centuries. located on the 1st floor. Among the paintings is the famous “Sistine Madonna” by Raphael. There are rooms of Rembrandt, Velazquez, Caravaggio, Van Dyck. 5 halls on the 2nd floor introduce the paintings of the 18th and 19th centuries. The Gallery reflects all areas of painting of the past years, from classicism to rococo. They are captured in the unique masterpieces of artists of different European nationalities.

Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday, from 10.00 to 19.00 (except Monday).

Porcelain Museum

Even those who are absolutely indifferent to porcelain will be fascinated by the “porcelain kingdom” located within the walls of the luxurious Zwinger Palace. The collection of products presented here is rightfully considered the most outstanding in the world in terms of the number of unique exhibits. Only here you can see rare examples of early Meissen and East Asian porcelain.

The beauty of products made of “white gold”, the mastery of painting, the harmony of colors make them perfect works of art that cannot but be admired. The beginning of the Dresden porcelain collection was laid by a passionate admirer of this precious fragile material, the Saxon Elector August the Strong. He fanatically collected items of Chinese, Japanese, Meissen porcelain, and by 1721 there were more than 23 thousand of them. Now 12 thousand exhibits remain from the collection of that time.

Today, in the amazingly beautiful halls of the Zwinger, the best examples of products (750 copies) are presented, and the entire collection consists of 20 thousand exhibits. One cannot indifferently pass by porcelain objects made during the reign of the Chinese emperors of the Ming (14-17th century) and Kangxi (17-18th centuries) dynasties. The collection of Japanese porcelain made by Imari and Kakimon (17-18th centuries) is worthy of attention. Exhibits of Meissen porcelain evoke admiration.

Open for visits: daily, except Mondays, 10.00-18.00.

Green vaults

The brilliance of diamonds, gold, silver and precious stones, the elegance of sculptures, luxurious interior decorations – this is the richest treasury of Europe “Green Vaults”. The exhibits presented here demonstrate the financial well-being of the Wettin royal dynasty. A lot of jewelry, magnificent dishes, interior items, portraits delight with their appearance and craftsmanship. The collection contains more than 4 thousand exhibits.

The famous Dresden treasure vault is located in the former palace residence, the arrangement of which is not inferior to the beauty of the collection stored here. The treasury is named after the chic columns made of green malachite (now they are decorated with mirrors) and a huge green diamond stored here. The exhibitions are divided into thematic zones: “Historical Green Vaults” and “New Green Vaults”.

The Jewelry Room of Augustus the Strong contains exclusive jewelry with diamonds, rubies, diamonds and the world's largest sapphire of 548 carats. The same exclusive is the sculpture of the Moor, carved from pear wood and decorated with many precious stones. The Golden Chalice of Ivan the Terrible, encrusted with pearls and sapphires, is a gift from Peter I. Each exhibit of the Green Vaults is a true work of art that delivers aesthetic pleasure.

Zwinger

The pride of Dresden, an architectural gem and the main decoration of the city – the Zwinger palace and park complex was erected under Augustus the Strong. Four magnificent buildings form the inner square of the courtyard with fountains and flower beds. Built of yellow sandstone in the Baroque style, the palaces are real architectural masterpieces of the famous architect Peppelman (1732). The 4th building in a more strict style appeared later (now there is an art gallery in it).

Dozens of antique sculptures, stucco ornaments, arched vaults, openwork lattices, and other decorative elements create a uniquely beautiful appearance of the palaces. The main decoration is a giant gilded crown crowning the main portal. Luxurious halls today house royal treasures, collections of weapons, and picturesque works of art.

An important symbol of the Zwinger is the Crown Gate, embodying the splendor of the Baroque, decorated with sculptures of ancient gods and crowned with a “crown”. The famous building of the complex is the Pavilion of Wanderings, with rows of columns, arched windows and statues. Here is a sculpture of Augustus, depicted as a mythological Hercules with a globe on his shoulders. Visitors are delighted with the ringing of 40 bells located in the Bell Pavilion. Inspection of the Zwinger – immersion in the Beautiful!

Opening hours: daily, except Tuesday, from 10.00 to 18.00.

Albertinum

The majestic old building of the 19th century, named after the Saxon king Albert, is a repository of works of fine art from different eras. After the military destruction, the Albertinum was rebuilt in 1953. The severe flood of 2002 caused significant damage, so it became necessary to reconstruct the storage facilities. For 4 years, the building of the New Albertinum was built, the courtyard of which is called the “ark of art.”

The glass walls of the renovated institution are able to withstand any flood. A 2-story extension was built above the courtyard, where a storage facility and restoration workshops were located. Cafes, shops and exhibition halls are open in the atrium of the courtyard. It is planned to hold musical concerts and ballet performances here.

The entrance hall is decorated with antique sculptures, a baroque sculpture of Chronos and a modern statue of the “Egyptian” Rukrim. This is the credo of the Albertinum institution – to connect the times in art. Therefore, in the Sculpture Hall, Rodin's “Thinker” is adjacent to “Ruins” and the installation “Soul Catcher” by contemporary artists Scheibitz and Dickers. In general, modern works of German art are in the Gallery of New Masters.

Opening hours: daily, except Monday, from 10.00 to 18.00.

Zoo museum

In a quiet corner of the picturesque surroundings of Dresden is the Zoological Museum, which is part of the State Natural Science Collection of the city. This is the oldest institution of its kind in Europe, opened in 1728. By order of Augustus II, one of the Zwinger buildings was provided for the new collection. The first exhibits were finds of the 16th century collected by the elector for the Kunstkamera.

After the well-known fire in the Zwinger, they were practically destroyed. The director of the museum institution, Reichenbach, restored the collection for 6 years, and in 1857 the expositions were reopened to visitors. When in 1874 the famous anthropologist and ethnographer Meyer headed the museum, he classified all the objects, distributing them according to their value.

3 departments introduce visitors to vertebrates, insects and invertebrates. 3 departments: preparatory, molecular genetic laboratory and library – carry out research activities. 6 million exhibits: vertebrates (231 thousand copies), insects (only 2.5 million beetles) and many unique objects are presented in the expositions of a very interesting natural history institution.

Opening hours: daily (except Monday), from 10.00 to 18.00.

Ethnographical museum

In the central district of Dresden, in a wonderful garden, with red gravel paths, with a beautiful landscape, there is an unusual building in the Japanese style “Japanese Palace”. This worthy architectural monument of the 18th century houses the Dresden Museum of Ethnography in its halls. With the light hand of the well-known reformer in the field of culture, Elector Augustus, the beginnings of this institution appeared as early as 1560. Augustus founded the “Cabinet of Curiosities”, where interesting items brought from different countries as gifts were collected.

The official opening of the Ethnographic Museum took place in 1954. Today, the museum fund contains almost 90,000 items and 70,000 photographs and documents. Beautifully designed expositions introduce the history, life and culture of the peoples of 5 continents: “Australia and Oceania”, “Africa”, “Asia”, “America”, “Europe”. The most unexpected and amazing exhibits illustrate interesting traditions and way of life of the peoples of the world.

Open for visits: every day, except Mondays, 10.00-18.00.

Museum Panometr

The most original educational and entertainment institution of the city “Panometr” was opened in December 2006 in the building of the former gas storage facility. An amazing panoramic exposition was placed in it by the architect, an Iranian of Austrian origin, Yadigar Azizi. In the 90s, he switched from architecture to the creation of panoramic paintings, creating “Ancient Rome 312” and 2 other panoramas in Leipzig.

Being engaged in the Dresden panorama, Azizi attracted 10 historians who authentically restore the appearance of the city in 1756. A documentary film shown in the Panometra tells about the painstaking work on the project. A panoramic view of Dresden of the Baroque era in architecture is captured on a huge canvas (length 105 m, height 27 m). Magnificent palaces, majestic churches, pompous villas on the Elbe embankment, beautiful gardens and flower beds seem to come to life before the eyes of the audience.

With the help of audio and video means, the impression of the reality of the spectacle is created. Dawn is reproduced with the sky glowing in the east, rooster cries, birds chirping, horse stomping are heard. The coming night is also “drawn” with the evening ringing of bells, stripes of moonlight. Heartbreaking lyrical music accompanies the show. Here you can “look into the windows” of Dresden residents with the help of special binoculars. Panometr is a private museum institution.

Opening hours: Tuesday-Friday, from 9 am to 7 pm; Sat, Sun, holidays – 10.00-20.00.

Museum of Saxon Folk Art

The fame of German punctuality, love of order and cleanliness has long been known, but few people know about national folk art. You can fill this gap by visiting the Museum of Folk Art of Saxony. It is located in the historic Jägerhof building – an architectural monument (17th century). Its expositions give a broad idea of the products of carvers, ceramics, lacemakers, furniture makers, seamstresses, etc.

Among the 27 thousand exhibits, the picturesque lace panel “800 years of Dresden, made by virtuoso weaving masters with bobbins, arouses admiration. Each piece of handmade furniture surprises with the craftsmanship and quality of workmanship. Wrought iron, glass, metal and stone products are admired. The works of tailors and seamstresses, embroiderers and puppeteers are very interesting.

The unique collection of the puppet theater is the largest in the world, it has 50,000 pieces from various countries of Europe and Asia. Puppet puppets created in the 2nd century. back; theatrical, glove, handmade fair characters – the eyes run up from their diversity and quantity.

Opening hours: every day, except Monday, 10.00-18.00.

japanese palace

The history of this palace, built for the Dutch count Flemming in 1715, is also related to Augustus the Strong. For several years the building was called the Dutch Palace, until the ubiquitous elector became interested in it. He decided to make changes to the building in the form of a porcelain roof and porcelain interior trim. The roof was remade in the Japanese style, the main facade was decorated with a bas-relief with figures of Saxons and Japanese porcelain-makers. The palace was renamed “Japanese”.

After the death of the famous elector, the palace became a museum and library building, where ordinary citizens could come. Like many dilapidated objects of Dresden, the Japanese Palace was restored from 1951 to 1986, returning it to its original appearance in 1737. All small details, wall paintings, and exterior decorations were carefully restored so that new generations could admire the masterpiece of architecture.

Opening hours: from 10.00 to 18.00, every day, except Mondays.

Museum of Applied Arts

In the former palace residence of the Saxon electors – Pilnice for visitors from May to the end of October there are permanent exhibitions of works of applied art. The idyllic landscapes surrounding the residence enchant no less than the beautiful buildings – the “Palace by the Water” and the “Mountain Palace”. Grape plantations, picturesque banks of the Elbe in themselves are an attractive factor for tourists.

But the interior of the palace halls also does not leave anyone indifferent. They exhibit items related to the life and life of Saxon rulers, princes and kings. According to them, one can judge the splendor and luxury surrounding a comfortable life, and the requests of those in power. It is impossible not to be amazed by the elegant gilded throne, exclusive furniture made of silver or lacquered wood.

A lot of different dishes made of Italian majolica, Delft faience, German ceramics, painted glass vessels are a kind of work of art. Samples of expensive exquisite fabrics are presented: damask, embroidered velvet and silk, delightful lace. In recent years, the collection has been replenished with the works of contemporary designers of the world.

Opening hours: from 30. 04 to 01. 11 daily, 10.00-18.00, Monday. – exit.

Physics and Mathematics Salon

The fact that the salon of the scientific direction is located in one of the most magnificent palaces of the Zwinger testifies to the respectful attitude of the authorities of Dresden to the exact sciences. The Physics and Mathematics Salon was founded under the ubiquitous Augustus the Strong (1728-1730). The perspicacious Elector understood that technological progress is unthinkable without the exact and natural sciences.

First, a museum of natural sciences and graphics was organized on the site of the greenhouse, which became the most significant institution of its kind in Europe. It exhibited minerals, shells, geological fossils, corals, amber, scientific materials on anatomy, zoology, botany.

Today this institution is called the Physics and Mathematics Salon, which presents more than 1 thousand exhibits – technical innovations from many eras. The huge collection of clocks illustrates the development of these instruments over the centuries. Various measuring instruments are shown in chronological evolution: objects of optics, geodesy, astronomy, drawing and measuring instruments and fixtures.

Open for visits: daily, from 10.00 to 18.00, except Mondays.

Museum of the GDR

In the standard building of the Soviet period of the 70s, there are exhibits that “tell” about the life of the Germans of socialist Germany (GDR). The largest collection of various objects is concentrated in the halls, from the smallest attributes to overall structures, illustrating all spheres of state activity and social life.

It cannot be said that this institution enjoys great attention from tourists, but it is undoubtedly very interesting to visit. His expositions embody a historical era, full of positive and negative, optimism and pessimism. Right at the entrance to the concrete-glass building, a Wartburq 311 car (1955-65) is parked in an eternal parking lot as a symbol of the GDR car industry.

Everything here is organized like in a quest: everyone can touch this or that object with their hands, listen to a TV show of that time with headphones. Those who wish can visit the cell where, for example, defectors were interrogated and even “participate” in the elections. If desired, visitors open cupboards and drawers, examine their contents. It is very impressive to visit a typical East German apartment, recreated to the smallest detail. It remains only to praise the people of Dresden for preserving the visual memory of the past.

Open for visits: Sun.-Fri., 10.00-20.00, Sat. – 10.00-22.00.

Turkish Chamber

The unique collection of weapons of the Ottoman Empire is famous throughout Europe for the number of exhibits and “age”. Here are exhibited specimens of weapons donated to the Elector of Saxony as early as the 16th century. Similar offerings were also practiced in the following centuries, so there are a lot of such attributes of military significance here. The Turkish Chamber is located in the residential palace, the interiors of which are a harmonious backdrop for its exhibits. Varieties of oriental weapons attract attention: sabers, swords, blades. There are many types of firearms, military banners, soldier and officer uniforms, horse harness with decorations, etc.

Opening hours: daily, except Tuesday, from 10.00 to 18.00.

Dresden castle residence

The magnificent decoration of the city is the medieval castle, which served as the residence of many Saxon rulers. The grandiose grandeur and baroque splendor, the elegance of the Renaissance castle buildings amaze and delight. According to some reports, the first fortress appeared here at the end of the 12th century. This fact confirms the presence at that time of a wooden bridge over the Elbe, which was later replaced (1289) with a stone crossing.

Over the centuries, the “appearance” of the castle has changed in accordance with the architectural fashion and new styles. New forms of watchtowers, fashionable elements and designs were added, all kinds of decorations appeared. In the 15th century buildings acquired Italian features, in the 16th century. erected new St. George's Gate (one of the highlights of the castle). Much was rebuilt in the Renaissance style.

Today, the residence palace, which embodies a mixture of several architectural styles in its appearance, is a clear example of the development of German architecture. An undoubted architectural masterpiece, which has acquired its current brilliant appearance as a result of improvements, delights Dresdeners and tourists with its magnificent beauty.

Open for visits: daily, except Mondays, 10.00-18.00.