Zwinger Dresden

From the history of Zwinger

Zwinger was planned and built under Augustus II the Strong who had an intention to make a mansion for maintenance of the set of paintings, the collections of chinaware and silverware, military weapons, exotic plants, and other interesting and valuable things. In addition to it, the Emperor wished to have a place for holding festivities and celebrations. The project of the future erection was created by the architect Matthäus Pöppelmann and the sculptor Balthasar Permoser. The complex was under construction for more than 20 years, starting from 1709. However, this architectural masterwork was damaged greatly during the wars. Zwinger was destroyed almost totally in 1945, but soon the renovation works were started and the refurbished palace was finally opened in 1963.

Pavilions and Galleries

Zwinger has several pavilions linked together with galleries. If you come to the inner yard from the side of the Theatre Square, following the Armoury Chamber, there is the German Pavilion, after which you get to the Carillon Pavilion, the Porcelain Pavilion, the Kronentor, the Mathematics-Physics Salon, the Wall Pavilion, and the French Pavilion. Next to the French Pavilion, there is the Nymphenbad fountain. The last chamber is the Art Gallery, which was built later and now it closes the ensemble of Zwinger.

The Kronentor is the main symbol of Zwinger. Its design is an apotheosis of the baroque style. A number of imposing antique gods’ sculptures embellishes the Kronentor, which are topped by a gilded Polish crown – an attribute of Augustus II the Strong’s power.

One of the most famous erections of the ensemble is the Wall Pavilion. The columns and arcs of it are decorated with magnificent sculptures, one of which is dedicated to the Elector of Saxony – Hercules with a globe on his shoulders.

In front of the Wall Pavilion, there is the Carillon Pavilion. The main attraction of it is an unusual porcelain clock that modulates with various bells’ melodies every fifteen minutes. The small bells were produced at the renowned Meissen Porcelain Manufactory.

The terrific Nymphenbad fountain, one of the most gorgeous in Europe, adorns the French Pavilion. Thanks to a vivid fantasy of the masters, we can observe here various fancy creatures of the bosom of the sea.

Old Masters Picture Gallery

The genuine masterpieces of art presented in the gallery had been collected starting from the 16th century. Only original pictures are kept here, among which you can see the works of Tiziano Vecellio, Pieter Paul Rubens, Jean-Étienne Liotard, Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn, and Raffaello Santi whose well-known painting Madonna Sistina attracts guests from all over the world. A unique variety of famous artists is presented with the grand canvases from different centuries. And all this makes the Dresden Picture Gallery one of the most significant collections of art in the world!

Museum of Porcelain

The Dresden Porcelain collection is the richest in Europe! The exhibits impress with their beauty, form, and painting. Augustus II the Strong was a true connoisseur of the finer things and art and had a weakness for porcelain. The collection is represented by the showpieces of Meissen Porcelain, as well as the items from China, Korea, and Japan.

Mathematics-Physics Salon

Around two thousand exhibits related to such sciences as physics, mathematics, astronomy, metrology, and geodesy are collected here. The museum was established in the 16th century, and is considered as one of the oldest among scientific and technical museums in the world. Here you can learn the history of the exact sciences’ development that is presented with various kinds of equipment and instruments. Moreover, here you can observe the astronomic globes dated the 13th century.

Map of the territory

Opening hours

Zwinger is open all year round but the working hours differ depending on a season. So, from April to October, it’s open from 6 am to 10 pm; from November to March – from 6 am to 8 pm. The museums are open to the public from 10 am to 6 pm. On Mondays the museums are closed.

Ticket prices

How to get to Zwinger

The Zwinger complex is located on the Theatre Square 1.

The nearest tram stops are “Postplatz” and “Theaterplatz”.
The tram lines 3 and 7 go to the Postplatz stop, and tram lines 1, 2, 4, 8, 9, 11, and 12 go to the Theaterplatz stop.

If you travel by car, use A4/A17 Dresden.

You can park your vehicle near Frauenkirche, Semperoper, Hilton Dresden, and also in the underground parking at Altmarkt.

Other places to visit in Dresden

Apart from Zwinger Palace and Old Masters Picture Gallery, Dresden boasts a great variety of fascinating places. It never fails to impress with its historic architectural gems, such as Dresden Cathedral or Semperoper, or the beauty of its natural parks, like Sächsische Schweiz. The Brühl’s Terrace, also called “The balcony of Europe”, gives you a great opportunity to stroll along the promenade near Elbe. Here you will have a unique opportunity to contemplate both the riverside and sculpture masterpieces, including Gottfried Semper and a Caspar David Friedrich monument.

And do not miss 330 feet long mural made of porcelain in 1870, “Procession of Princes”! It depicts the most prominent personalities of Germany of that time, including kings, dukes, and scientists in all their glory. You can find this impressive artwork on the facade of the Stallhof on Augustusstraße. Here are more inspirations for your trip:

Events in Dresden

However, Dresden is not only an “open-air gallery” but also a city of vivid cultural life. Different kinds of events take place there all year round, so there is a high probability that you will see something unusual during your journey. The most popular festivals in Dresden are Dresdner Musikfestspiele (music festival), Holi Festival of Colors, Elbhangfest (festival of different kinds of art), and Jazz Festival. During the closing of the latter, you will have a lucky opportunity to enjoy a vintage car parade.
German Christmas Markets are famous for their upbeat festive atmosphere. In December, you are welcome to attend one at Neumarkt street. Come here for Glühwein, souvenirs and delicious street food, and embrace the joy of the Winter holidays.
Check out more events to attend in Dresden:

Accommodation near Zwinger in Dresden

Zwinger is situated in the Old Town district of Dresden, where you can find hotels with different star ratings. Consider options located on the Neumarkt in the very center of the Old Town, as it will take only 5 minutes by foot to get to Zwinger from there.

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