Museums and exhibitions in Dresden Elbland
Cultural Experiences
The term ‘museum landscape’ hardly does justice to the fascinating diversity of museums in the Dresden Elbland region. With over 50 museums and galleries, the state capital of Dresden alone is a true European museum hub. Thanks to the passion for collecting shown by the Saxon Electors, the foundations for today’s magnificent exhibitions were laid here at an early stage – fertile ground on which a colourful and extremely varied museum landscape could flourish. Fascinating collections and special exhibitions await you throughout Dresden Elbland!
Art history museums
Multiple one-offs
Dresden has them all. Vermeer, Rodin, Richter, Raphael and countless other influential figures in European art history will feature on your cultural tour. The Dresden State Art Collections alone comprise 15 museums that rank among the most important in the world. Together with four other institutions, they offer a thematic diversity that is unique internationally. And that’s not all.
Dresden State Art Collections
All-encompassing
The Green Vault, the Cabinet of Engravings, the Coin Cabinet, the Armoury, the Old Masters Picture Gallery, the Sculpture Collection, the New Masters Gallery, Museum of Saxon Folk Art, Puppet Theatre Collection and much more – over the course of 450 years, a vast amount of art has been amassed here. You really ought to see it.
Museums of the City of Dresden
High-contrast
Discover ten fascinating worlds in one network: Dresden’s museums tell the story of the city’s rich and eventful history. There are some real hidden gems waiting for you here.
Take the Kügelgenhaus, for example. This is where the pioneers of German Romanticism used to meet. Many famous artists, such as Caspar David Friedrich, Carl Maria von Weber and Richard Wagner, were regular visitors here.
Changing special exhibitions, such as ‘Platte OST/WEST’ at the Dresden City Museum or ‘Erlebnisland Mathematik’ at the Technical Collections, mean there’s always something new to discover.
Museums on Society and History
Lasting impressions – and lessons learnt
Dresden offers food for thought – and not always straightforward answers. For instance, the German Hygiene Museum regularly hosts special exhibitions on topics that concern us all. To ensure that history is never forgotten, the Military History Museum provides a comprehensive exploration of the subject of war. And several memorial sites exemplarily chart the arduous yet authentic path through Germany’s history of violence.
German Museum of Hygiene
Thinking outside the box
The “Glass Woman” and the “World of the Senses” children’s museum are the highlights of the German Hygiene Museum in Dresden – and should definitely be on your list for your next visit to Dresden and the Elbland region! But that’s not all: changing special exhibitions, such as the current ‘How are you?’ on the topic of mental health, constantly open up new perspectives. Here, science becomes an experience
Other museums in Dresden Elbland
Discover more
Just how much tradition is there in Dresden Elbland? Find out for yourself! Local heritage and history, folk art and customs are well represented here – one of the key venues is the Museum of Saxon Folk Art: this museum of local art, situated in the Jägerhof in the Innere Neustadt, showcases the full richness of these traditions. Tip: the adjoining puppet theatre collection. What else is there to discover? Click through to find out!
Karl May Museum, Radebeul
A Great Adventure
Immerse yourself in the world of Winnetou and Old Shatterhand: at Villa Shatterhand, you can discover Karl May’s life, and his legendary weapons, the ‘Silberbüchse’ and the ‘Bärentöter’, are within arm’s reach. Villa Bärenfett, May’s former home, captivates visitors with a unique collection showcasing the culture of North America’s indigenous peoples. A spacious museum park with an adventure playground and gold panning makes for the perfect day out for the whole family.
Steamboats, historic railways and more.
Full steam ahead into the past!History comes to life in Dresden Elbland! Glide along the Elbe on a historic steamboat or explore the region on Germany’s oldest steam-powered narrow-gauge railway. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a fan of all things nostalgic or simply curious – our historic modes of transport offer a unique experience set against the backdrop of Dresden’s Baroque splendour and the idyllic countryside of the Elbland. Experience how people used to travel and enjoy the charm of days gone by!
Unforgettable moments
The must-see attractions in Dresden Elbland: from the Semperoper to the picturesque vineyardsDiscover the most beautiful sights of Dresden Elbland: from the Semperoper and the Zwinger to the picturesque vineyards and the Elbe floodplains. Experience Baroque splendour, historical treasures and idyllic natural scenery – all in one region!
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