Meissen — Staatliche Porzellan-Manufaktur (State Porcelain Manufactory)
The Meissen porcelain manufactory is the oldest of its kind in Europe and, to this day, a living workshop of handcraft. Since 1710 the famous Meissen porcelain has been made here, marked with the world-renowned crossed swords – one of the oldest trademarks in the world.
“A production that deliberately refuses the machine”
A tour through production
n the show workshop you’ll see step by step how a work of art is created from a paste of kaolin, feldspar and quartz. At the throwing wheel, in the moulding, in the modelling of the finest blossoms and in the hand-painting, you sense just how much skill and patience goes into every single piece. Every movement is assured, every brushstroke follows a tradition passed on over three centuries – a fascinating insight into a production that deliberately refuses the machine.
Showroom
Anyone wishing to browse after the tour will find the full variety of the manufactory in the spacious showroom: from the classic onion pattern and delicate figurines to modern editions. Here you can discover and compare at leisure and take that one special piece home as a memento of Saxony.
Further impressions
Practical information
Frequently asked questions
What can I see on a visit to the manufactory?
The centrepiece is the show workshop, where you can watch the individual steps of porcelain making – from throwing and moulding to hand-painting – live. Afterwards the large showroom invites you to browse. If you wish, you can also visit the manufactory’s museum.
Do I need to book a tour in advance?
No registration is needed for the show-workshop tour with the audio guide – you can start flexibly. For exclusive and group tours with a personal guide, advance booking is required. In high season, public tours with a guide are also offered.
In which languages is the tour available?
The audio guide through the show workshop is available in 14 languages, including German and English – you choose the language on site.
How much time should I allow?
The show-workshop tour takes about 30 minutes. For the full experience including showroom and museum, we recommend around 1.5 to 2 hours.
Can I buy Meissen porcelain on site?
Yes. In the showroom and the MEISSEN Stores you’ll find the manufactory’s largest product range. There is also an outlet with second-grade pieces.
The manufactory lies on the edge of Meissen’s old town, around 25 km from Dresden, and is easily reached by car, S-Bahn or bus. Parking is available on site.
The manufactory sits on the edge of Meissen’s old town, about 25 km from Dresden, and is easily reached by car, suburban train or bus. Parking is available on site.
Fancy the „Weißes Gold“ (‘White Gold’)?
Book your room — we’re happy to help with travel, tickets and planning your day.