Residenzschloss
The heart of Dresden’s Old Town — an architectural landmark with the Grünes Gewölbe (Green Vault), just a 14-minute walk from the hotel.
on foot · approx. 700 m
excl. Historisches Grünes Gewölbe (Historic Green Vault)
Residenzschloss Dresden – treasure house and emblem of Saxon splendour!
The Residenzschloss Dresden – treasure house and emblem of Saxon splendour
Just a few minutes’ walk from our hotel rises one of Germany’s most significant Renaissance buildings: the Residenzschloss Dresden. For more than 700 years it was the seat of the Saxon electors and kings, a cultural centre and the political stage of the House of Wettin. Today the magnificent complex in the heart of Dresden’s Old Town houses several world-famous museums of the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden (SKD, Dresden State Art Collections) – among them the legendary Grünes Gewölbe (Green Vault), the Rüstkammer (Armoury) with the Türckische Cammer (Turkish Chamber), the Kupferstich-Kabinett (Print Room), the Münzkabinett (Coin Cabinet) and the royal state apartments of Augustus the Strong.
From field of rubble to total work of art – four decades of reconstruction
The history of the palace is also a history of German remembrance. On the night of 13 February 1945 the Residenzschloss was almost completely destroyed in the bombing of Dresden. For over four decades the ruin stood at the centre of the city – a memorial to what had been lost. Only in 1986 did systematic reconstruction begin; it gathered pace after reunification and grew into one of Europe’s most ambitious heritage projects.
Current status in 2026
The reconstruction is in its final phase. In October 2025 the rebuilt Schlosskapelle (palace chapel) was handed over to the SKD as a new events space. A further milestone was reached in early 2026 with the ceremonial handover of the Propositionssaal and the Großer Ballsaal (Grand Ballroom) in the north wing. From April 2026 these two ceremonial halls are open to visitors for the first time in 81 years – as the setting for the new permanent exhibition „Masken und Kronen“ (‘Masks and Crowns’) on Baroque festive culture and the courtly display of power at the Saxon court. Final completion of the whole complex, including the redesign of the Großer Schlosshof (Great Courtyard) and the Gotische Halle (Gothic Hall) in the east wing, is scheduled for 2027. The total cost of the reconstruction amounts to around €407 million, funded by the German federal government and the Free State of Saxony.
The Neues Grünes Gewölbe (New Green Vault) – Europe’s modern treasury
The New Green Vault is one of the absolute highlights of any visit to Dresden. Across some 2,000 square metres, around 1,100 masterpieces of goldsmithing, jewellery and gem-cutting from the Renaissance, Baroque and Classical periods are on display. Unlike the Historisches Grünes Gewölbe (Historic Green Vault), where the magnificent room architecture is itself part of the presentation, here the focus is on the individual work of art. State-of-the-art, double-anti-reflective display cases allow a crystal-clear view of every detail – a fascinating dialogue between precious heritage and contemporary museum architecture.
The most famous works in the New Green Vault:
- Der Hofstaat zu Delhi am Geburtstag des Großmoguls Aurang-Zeb (‘The Royal Household at Delhi on the Birthday of the Grand Mogul Aurangzeb’) – The principal work of court goldsmith Johann Melchior Dinglinger is considered one of the world’s most important pieces of goldsmith’s art. He worked for eight years, between 1701 and 1708, on this table centrepiece with 137 figures, 5,223 diamonds, 189 rubies, 175 emeralds, one sapphire and 53 pearls. Neither Dinglinger nor his patron Augustus the Strong ever visited India – the scene was created purely from European travel accounts.
- Das Goldene Kaffeezeug (‘The Golden Coffee Service’) – An opulent service of gilded silver, enamel and gemstones, likewise created by Dinglinger.
- Die Elfenbeinfregatte (‘The Ivory Frigate’) – A finely carved ship borne by Neptune, a masterpiece of Baroque turnery.
- Die Hutagraffe mit dem Dresdner Grünen Diamanten (‘The Hat Clasp with the Dresden Green Diamond’) – In the Watzdorf Cabinet sparkles the largest naturally green diamond in the world (41 carats), one of the most famous jewels in European history.
- Das Bad der Diana und der Apis-Altar (‘The Bath of Diana’ and the ‘Apis Altar’) – Further iconic works by Dinglinger in the hall dedicated to him.
Further highlights of the Residenzschloss
- Historisches Grünes Gewölbe (Historic Green Vault) – The faithfully reconstructed Baroque treasury of Augustus the Strong, with the world-famous „Mohr mit Smaragdstufe“ (‘Moor with Emerald Cluster’) and some 3,000 further precious objects. Because visitor numbers are limited, a timed-entry ticket is mandatory – we recommend booking online several weeks in advance.
- Royal state apartments of Augustus the Strong – Faithfully reopened in 2019 after 300 years, they convey the splendour of courtly display at the wedding of the electoral prince in 1719.
- Türckische Cammer (Turkish Chamber) – One of the oldest and most important collections of Ottoman art outside Turkey.
- The Riesensaal (Giant’s Hall) and Silberwaffensaal (Hall of Silver Weapons) of the Rüstkammer (Armoury), with ceremonial weapons and tournament armour.
- Hausmannsturm – 327 steps lead to the viewing platform with a magnificent panorama over the Old Town (open 28 March–2 November 2026, last ascent 4:30 pm).
Praktische Informationen
Opening hours:
- daily 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, closed on Tuesdays
Admission (Residenzschloss House Ticket):
- standard €18, concessions €13.50, pupils under 20 €2, children up to school age free. The combined ticket is valid for all museums except the Historisches Grünes Gewölbe.
Tickets:
- Online via shop.skd.museum or at the on-site ticket desks. For the Historisches Grünes Gewölbe, booking online in advance is strongly recommended.
Accessibility:
- step-free access via Sophienstraße, Taschenberg 2 and Schloßstraße
10 Common Guest Questions & Answers
How far is it from the hotel to the Residenzschloss?
From the hotel you can reach the Residenzschloss comfortably in about 14 minutes on foot. We’re happy to mark the most scenic route through the Old Town on our city map at reception.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Our reception is happy to help you book online. Tickets for the Residenzschloss and the Historisches Grünes Gewölbe are available at any time at our reception or directly when booking.
What is the difference between the Historic and the New Green Vault?
The Historisches Grünes Gewölbe (Historic Green Vault) shows the original Baroque treasury of Augustus the Strong in the reconstructed staterooms – here the room architecture itself is part of the experience. The Neues Grünes Gewölbe (New Green Vault) presents a further 1,100 masterpieces in modern display cases, where the focus is on the individual work of art. Ideally you visit both – they complement each other perfectly.
Is the palace still a building site?
Most areas have long been completed and are fully accessible. The final phase is currently underway: the Schlosskapelle (palace chapel) opened in October 2025, and from April 2026 the ceremonial halls in the north wing (Propositionssaal and Großer Ballsaal) will be accessible for the first time, with the new permanent exhibition „Masken und Kronen“ (‘Masks and Crowns’). Overall completion, including the Großer Schlosshof (Great Courtyard), is scheduled for 2027.
Which day is best for a visit?
The Residenzschloss is closed on Tuesdays. If possible, avoid Saturdays and public holidays. Wednesday or Thursday morning is ideal – it is noticeably quieter then. Allow at least 3–4 hours for a relaxed visit.
Is the climb up the Hausmannsturm worthwhile?
Absolutely – 327 steps lead to one of the finest panoramic views over Dresden’s Old Town, the Elbe and the Zwinger. The tower is open seasonally (28 March to 2 November 2026); the last admission is at 4:30 pm. Please note that the climb is not step-free.
How much time should I allow for the whole palace?
Three hours are enough for an overview. If you want to enjoy the Historic and New Green Vault, the state apartments, the Türckische Cammer and the Rüstkammer at leisure, allow a whole day. Art lovers often spread the visit over two days – the day ticket is valid for all museums except the Historisches Grünes Gewölbe.
Is the palace suitable for children?
Yes, very! Glittering treasures, suits of armour in the Riesensaal (Giant’s Hall), the exotic treasures of the Türckische Cammer and the climb up the Hausmannsturm delight most children. Pupils under 20 pay only €2 admission, and children up to school age go free. A free multimedia guide is available on your smartphone via the SKD website.
May I take photographs in the palace?
In the Historisches Grünes Gewölbe photography is expressly forbidden – bags and jackets must be placed in lockers. In the other exhibitions, photography for private use without flash or tripod is generally permitted. Please observe the notices on site.
Where can I eat or have a coffee after my visit?
The Residenzschloss lies in the middle of the Old Town, surrounded by restaurants and cafés. Right next door in the Taschenbergpalais you’ll find elegant options, and on the Neumarkt around the Frauenkirche a wide choice of traditional Saxon cuisine. We’re happy to recommend our personal favourites – just ask at reception.
Where can I book a ticket?
Tickets for the Residenzschloss are available at our reception or at shop.skd.museum.
We’re happy to help
Arrange a city tour or simply ask a question — we’ll get back to you within one working day.
More sights to come
We arrange guided city tours in German or English — from the classic Old Town circuit to the themed „Wiederaufbau Dresdens“ (Rebuilding Dresden) walk. On request, starting directly from the hotel.