The Old Masters Picture Gallery sits at the north end of the Zwinger, the Baroque palace complex in central Dresden. It holds more than 750 paintings from the 15th to 18th centuries, by Italian, German, French, Dutch, Flemish and Spanish masters. The highlight is Raphael's Sistine Madonna, which hangs in the large main hall on the ground floor. The upper floors hold works by Rembrandt, Vermeer and Botticelli, and the top floor has Canaletto's views of 18th-century Dresden. Allow about two hours to see the collection properly.
Origins in the Zwinger
The gallery was set up in the mid-18th century by Augustus the Strong, and his son Augustus III expanded the collection. The paintings were gathered to express the power of the Saxon rulers and aristocracy.
The gallery is housed in the Zwinger, a Baroque complex of pavilions, galleries and courtyards in the centre of Dresden. Other museums of the Dresden State Art Collections (SKD) are in the same palace complex, including the Porcelain Collection and the Mathematical and Physical Sciences Salon.
The paintings through the war years
During the bombing of 1945, the paintings were moved into limestone mines to protect them. After the war they were carefully restored before returning to display.
The collection covers roughly the 15th to 18th centuries, from Renaissance works to the Baroque period, so the rooms move from early religious paintings to later courtly and landscape scenes.
The main hall and upper floors
Raphael's Sistine Madonna dominates the large main hall on the ground floor. Nearby, Cranach's Paradise, dated 1530, is one of the most striking works in that part of the collection.
Upstairs, the rooms hold works by Rembrandt, Botticelli, Veronese, Van Dyck, Vermeer, Brueghel and Poussin. Giorgione's Sleeping Venus and Vermeer's The Procuress are also among the collection's notable pieces. On the top floor, Canaletto's paintings show Dresden in the 18th century, before the war changed the city.
Tickets and admission
Tickets for the Zwinger can be booked online. Admission covers all exhibitions in the building, so you can visit the Old Masters Picture Gallery and the other museums there on the same ticket.
The museum has a coat check, so you can leave bulky items before you go in. The Zwinger complex also has a restaurant on site.
Visiting with access needs and children
The entrance and restrooms are wheelchair accessible. The museum offers tours for visually impaired visitors, and it is listed as good for children and families.
The building also has a restaurant, which helps when you want a break between floors.
FAQ
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
The museum recommends getting tickets in advance, and tickets for the Zwinger can be booked online. Arriving early on a weekday also helps avoid crowds.
How long do you need at the Old Masters Picture Gallery?
Plan at least 1.5 to 2 hours to see the collection properly. The collection is large, with more than 750 paintings across several floors.
What is the most famous painting in the gallery?
Raphael's Sistine Madonna, dated 1513, is the best-known work. It hangs in the large main hall on the ground floor.
Is the gallery wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The entrance and the restrooms are wheelchair accessible. The museum also offers tours for visually impaired visitors.
Is there a coat check?
Yes, the museum has a coat check. Large bags are also checked before you enter.
