Zwinger
Dresdner Zwinger
A peak of German Baroque architecture. Pavilions and galleries surround a grand courtyard, and inside is a classical masters gallery that holds Raphael's Sistine Madonna.
The Zwinger was built between 1710 and 1728 by Augustus the Strong, with the architect Matthäus Daniel Pöppelmann and the sculptor Balthasar Permoser. It was originally a venue for court festivities and for displaying royal treasures. The landmark Crown Gate (Kronentor) is topped with a golden Polish crown. The Wall Pavilion (Wallpavillon) is decorated with statues of Hercules, and the Nymphenbad is a hidden fountain grotto tucked into a corner. The courtyard is free to enter, and you can walk along the top of the surrounding gallery. Paid museums include the Old Masters Picture Gallery, which holds Raphael's Sistine Madonna with its famous pair of small angels below, Giorgione's Sleeping Venus and Vermeer's Girl Reading a Letter at an Open Window. The porcelain collection includes many Chinese and Japanese pieces, as well as Meissen porcelain. There is also the Mathematisch-Physikalischer Salon. Allow 2–3 hours for a visit. The museums are closed on Mondays. Check the official website of the State Art Collections Dresden (SKD) for current admission prices.
Opening hours
Courtyard approx. 06:00–22:00; galleries Tue–Sun 10:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Semperoper
- Dresden Castle & Green Vault
- Dresden Cathedral (Hofkirche)
- Procession of Princes
- Altmarkt & Striezelmarkt
- Dresden Transport Museum
- Brühl's Terrace
- Kreuzkirche