Zwinger Palace enjoys widespread fame as a baroque masterpiece and is a legacy of Dresden's distinguished history as a royal seat. Richly decorated pavilions and galleries surround majestic Festplatz square and together with the charming fountains form a picturesque backdrop.

Triumph of Saxon baroque
Zwinger Palace's ensemble of pavilions and galleries is an unrivalled masterpiece of the courtly baroque style, combining opulent sculpture with magnificent architecture to spectacular effect. Originally built as an orangery, the building was used for entertaining by the Elector of Saxony, Augustus the Strong, and was the setting for extravagant festivities. Highlights include a pavilion with a carillon made from Meissen porcelain, the Rampart Pavilion with its bizarre sculptures, the Mathematics and Physics Room and the porcelain collection. The Old Masters Gallery houses world-famous artworks, the finest of which is the Sistine Madonna by Raphael.

Many of Dresden's 30 or so museums are world-class. The Zwinger Palace houses the famous Old Masters Gallery with the "Sistine Madonna" and the world's largest porcelain collection. Equally renowned is the collection of former crown jewels, now on display in the Green Vault on Brühl Terrace. For contemporary art, head for the New Masters Gallery, the New Saxon Art Association (Neuer Sächsischer Kunstverein), the university of fine arts or any of around 60 other galleries.

The Dresden State Orchestra and the Dresden Philharmonic rank among the top orchestras in the world, and the Kreuzchor boys' choir enjoys similar status. . More than 20 theatres in the city offer plenty of choice, from classical drama to experimental theatre, from musicals to cabaret.