The famous Green Vault in Dresden – founded in around 1560 by Elector Augustus – is Europe's richest, most magnificent treasure chamber museum. Since it reopened in 2006, visitors to the Royal Palace can once again admire the collected treasures of the Electors and Kings of Saxony in an even more splendid setting.

Treasure chamber of the Electors and Kings of Saxony
The "secret repository" comprising seven rooms was established in around 1550. It is thought to have become known as the Green Vault after 1572 because of the malachite green on some of the architectural elements. The collection here includes masterpieces of jewellery and goldsmithery, exquisite amber and ivory treasures, jewelled vessels and elaborate bronze statuettes. The New Green Vault is on the first floor of the west wing; the Historical Green Vault is on the ground floor. The priceless treasures in the historical rooms are displayed on wall consoles and ornamental tables, allowing visitors to experience the splendours of the treasure chamber, in itself a baroque work of art, at close quarters.

3,000 unique works of art are presented in a sublime setting. Beautiful gold leaf, Saxon oak panelling, marble floors, sparkling mirrors, gold consoles and ornamental ceilings create a magnificent backdrop for this abundance of riches. Modern display design allows an intimate presentation of Johann Melchior Dinglinger's Court of the Grand Mogul and golden coffee service, a cherry stone carved with 186 faces, an amazing ivory frigate, exquisite pearl figures and other stunning works of art - an exhibition unmatched anywhere in the world. The highlight of the Historical Green Vault on the ground floor is the jewel room. Here visitors can gaze in amazement at the jewels of Augustus the Strong and his son, a unique collection of the finest 18th century jewellery.
» www.skd-dresden.de

A selection of other arts and crafts museums in Germany