Meissen - The Creative Adventurer https://thecreativeadventurer.com A Travel Guide for Exploring the World Tue, 07 Feb 2023 16:10:07 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://i0.wp.com/thecreativeadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/cropped-NewCreativeAdventurerLogo_250x250_v1.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Meissen - The Creative Adventurer https://thecreativeadventurer.com 32 32 171399271 The Most Instagrammable Places in Dresden, Germany https://thecreativeadventurer.com/the-most-instagrammable-places-in-dresden-germany/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-most-instagrammable-places-in-dresden-germany https://thecreativeadventurer.com/the-most-instagrammable-places-in-dresden-germany/#comments Fri, 23 Aug 2019 12:21:00 +0000 https://thecreativeadventurer.com//the-most-instagrammable-places-in-dresden-germany/ Dresden I think is one of the most underrated cities in Europe. I went for the history but fell in love with the city is every way and was shocked by how wonderful this place was. Dresden was nicknamed the “Florence of the North” and stood as the first spot of power in Germany for decades. Dresden drew architects from all over the world who threw their artistry into the walls of the city. But such power came with a cost and in WWII Dresden was bombed almost beyond recognition. After the fall of the wall in the 1980s, an enormous restoration effort was put into place to rebuild the city. Today we can visit an almost perfect recreation of Dresden as it was in the 18th century. While some people find this to be a bit like a living museum, that’s exactly what I like about it! Here are some of my favourite photo locations which Instagram savvy travellers must visit on their next trip to Dresden! There is a google map at the bottom of this post you can use to find each and every location mentioned on the list.

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]]> I think Dresden is one of the most underrated cities in Europe. I went for the history but fell in love with the city is every way and was shocked by how incredible this place was and why everyone wasn’t flocking to it. Dresden is sometimes called the “Florence of the North”. The city was actually once the most powerful state in Germany. Dresden drew artists and architects from all over the world who threw their creativity onto the walls of the city. But such power came with a cost and in WWII, Dresden was bombed almost beyond recognition. After the fall of the wall in the 1980s, an enormous restoration effort was put into place to rebuild the city. Today we can visit an almost perfect recreation of Dresden as it was in the 18th century.

While some people find this to be a bit like a living museum, that’s exactly what I liked. I always try to imagine what these ancient cities would have felt like in their day but here in Dresden you actually get a taste of what that might have been like – but with wifi. The city is both bursting with gorgeous architecture but also has its fair share of cute cafes, bars and restaurants ideal for instagrammers. Here are some of my favourite locations that photo savvy travellers must visit on their next trip to Dresden! There is a google map at the bottom of this post you can use to find each and every location mentioned on the list.

Table Of Contents
  1. Old Masters Gallery
  2. Coselpalais
  3. Brühl’s Terrace
  4. Münzgasse 
  5. Zwinger
  6. The Royal Palace
  7. Procession of Princes
  8. Royal Stables
  9. Neumarkt
  10. Pfunds Molkieri
  11. Neustadt Street Art
  12. Kunsthof Passage
  13. Cinema Thalia
  14. Yenidze
  15. Stammhaus

Old Masters Gallery

The Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister (or Old Masters Gallery) is honestly the best art gallery I ever had the pleasure of visiting. It doesn’t feel too big nor too small. It’s like a grand old home that someone has decorated with exquisite pieces of arts — a stellar collection that’s lovingly curated. While it may seem much smaller than the Louvre or the Prado, there are over 700 paintings on display, all ranging from the 15th to 18th century. Treasures from major Italian Renaissance artists, Dutch and Flemish masters and other works by German, French and Spanish painters combine to form this hidden gem in Dresden. Standing amongst these iconic images feels like standing inside a great storybook and makes for such an incredible photo.

Coselpalais

Food and architecture fans will find common ground here at the Coselpalais. The old palace has been reconstructed in late Baroque style and now serves as a charming little cafe and restaurant in the old town. The original building was built in 1550 and looks like a buttercream yellow castle out of Beauty and the Beast. Grab a latte, and a fanciful teacake served on the iconic Meissen porcelain and enjoy the views all around you on the patio under the blue skies. If you’re looking to try a traditional German dessert, order up to the apple cake with streusel!

Brühl’s Terrace

Brühl’s Terrace is known as the Balcony of Europe. It is an enormous platform that stretches along the shores of the Elbe River. Here you’ll see both tourists and locals alike, strolling down the promenade enjoying the fantastic views. The terrace was once built as a fort to protect the city from invaders, but in the 19th century, it was transformed into this lovely pedestrian walkway. Along this riverside path, you’ll see framed the iconic skyline of the city and gorgeous flowerbeds colouring the grey concrete. During the holidays this is a great place to come for pop-up markets, especially exciting during Christmas time!

Münzgasse 

Münzgasse is a street just across from the Elbe River which feels almost too curated to be real. The two blocks of apartments flanking the road frame the stunning Frauenkirche perfectly. Walking down the street feels like stepping into a painting. On either side of the pedestrian street are various touristy restaurants which are not worth your money but do provide the the backdrop for this stunning scene.

Zwinger

The Zwinger is to this day one of the most incredible baroque buildings in Germany. It was built for Augustus II the Strong, who had been inspired by King Louis XIV. He had returned from a visit to his new court of Versaille and was eager to create a similar elaborate palace for himself. But this was would be located in his hometown of Dresden.

The Zwinger was built in the late baroque style called ‘Rococo’. The Rococo style embraced curves and elaborate ornaments but amped-up the drama. Rococo added a sense of play to the designs. Rococo designers felt that architecture should have a sense of motion, and they used dramatic curves, which made the viewer feel as though the building was alive. The Rococo style loved to emphasize piety. Plants and vines are featured prominently, carved into so many parts of the Zwinger. Construction began in 1710 and it took over 18 years to be completed. Anywhere you look here there are gorgeous shots to be found. Since the Zwinger is so large it’s easy to find more private spaces, ideal for framing that perfect shot.

The Royal Palace

The Royal Palace is one of the oldest buildings in Dresden, originally built around 1200. Additional wings were constructed over the years, creating an almost patchwork quilt of architecture styles from Renaissance to Baroque and Romanesque. These days, the royal family no longer resides inside. Instead, the building contains a museum complex where you can explore the treasury, the armory and even see collections of prints and drawings as well as old photographs of Dresden before the bombing. The exterior of the Palace is where the real visual treat lies. It’s fascinating to see this Palace so integrated with the rest of the city, instead of walled off like so many other royal residences around Europe.

Procession of Princes

Along Schloßstraße, you’ll find one of the greatest remnants of old Dresden, the Procession of Princes. This 101-meter long porcelain portrait depicts the entire history of Dresden through the men who built, controlled, governed and sparked new thoughts and ideas within it. It features Dukes, Electors, Kings and other leading figures from the arts and sciences. This is the world’s largest porcelain artwork. The mural was first installed in 1871 and took more than five years to complete. Shockingly enough this mural withstood the great Dresden bombing of WWII. It suffered minimal damage and was a beacon of hope to the people of Dresden after the war. Today its still one of the most striking images you can find in the city.

Royal Stables

Just down from the Procession of Princes is the Stallhof und Langer Gang or Royal Stables. These stables were used as the location for horse tournaments since the 15th century. Some of the most exciting jousting activities took place here and where the who’s who of Germany elite came to be entertained. Today, the stalls are the site of the Dresden Christmas Market. If you’re lucky enough to be visiting during the holiday season, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most magical sights in the world. There really is nothing like a Christmas market in Europe when the snow is falling and catches the twinkling fairy lights as it touches the ground. But throughout the rest of the year the architectural curves and the effect of the light in the arcade is out of this world!

Neumarkt

The Neumarkt is the cultural centre of the Dresden’s historic district. The original Neumarkt was designed in the German Baroque style. Baroque designers loved pastel colours, not just on their frescos; but everywhere they could put them. Today it feels like walking through a miniature buttercream village. Standing in the center of the square is the iconic Frauenkirche, which was completely destroyed during a bombing run in WWII. But after the bombs had fell, hundreds of volunteer collected the burn rumble from the original church and stored it away, waiting for the day it would be rebuilt. And it was, and used many piece of that original structure which so many people help preserve for future generations.

Pfunds Molkieri

Pfunds Molkieri, covered floor to ceiling in the most incredible tiles and Meissen porcelain, is the oldest dairy shop in East Germany. Built in 1879 this shop was the first place where German’s could buy high-quality, concentrated milk. Although the dairy was mostly destroyed in WWII, the family made sure to rebuild in the exact same fashion as the original. Now, visitors can come to see and taste the extraordinary place which is Pfunds Molkieri. Guests can try different kinds of milk from farms across Germany as well as cheese, wines and more!

Neustadt Street Art

While most of the historical parts of Dresden were destroyed in WWII, the “new” town built across the river was spared from the destruction as it proved no real military threat to the attackers. This meant that despite being called “new town” the structures here are actually older than the reconstructions found in the “old town”. Neustadt or “new town” remains a bohemian stronghold in Dresden and even today is where you can find some of the coolest shops, bars and exciting nightlife. But if those things aren’t for you, just wandering the streets is a feast for the eyes. Neustadt has become a popular neighbourhood for local street artists who bring otherwise boring walls to life with colours, textures and even sculptural details. You can find some of the most lively street art found anywhere in Dresden right here.

Kunsthof Passage

Inside the walls of Neustadt, you’ll find the famous Kunsthof Passage. These dreamlike courtyards come from the visionary mind of various Dresden artists who turned these empty spaces into an art experiment. There are four different themed courtyards to visit; Elements, Animals, Light, and Metamorphoses. Each one features strange and intriguing details which draw in your eye and ask your to question what you’re looking at. In the Courtyard of the Elements, you’ll find a piece inspired by the Rube Goldberg Machine which turns rainfall in a symphonic orchestra! Even without rain it’s a gorgeous work of art to admire.

Cinema Thalia

Inside the inner walls of the Neustadt, you’ll find one of the oldest cinemas still standing in Germany. Built in 1889, Cinema Thalia once used to host people from all over Dresden, and at one time the cinema would extend into what is now the beer garden to hold over 700 people! After being destroyed in 1945, it lay dormant, untouched by the modern era until it was plucked from obscurity in 2004 and returned to live as a hipster mecca. The large theatre was transformed into a cafe and cinema where, and until 2008, people were still allowed to smoke, hence the name on the front “Cinema. Coffee and Cigarettes”. Today it’s still a gorgeous icon east German, retro design.

Yenidze

To experience one of the most unique beer gardens in the city and catch a stunning view across Dresden, head over to Yenidze. From afar you might think that this building is an Ottoman mosque, but originally it was actually a tobacco factory. Built in 1907 by Hugo Zietz, the Yenidze tobacco company, was designed in “oriental” style to recall the “exotic origins of tobacco”. The chimney used to process smoke from the factory was incorporated into the architecture as a fake minaret. Today, the building is used as an office but the top floor is home to an incredible restaurant with rooftop views across the city and over to the mountains in the distance.

Stammhaus

The most iconic picture from Germany must be of a beer hall, and the Stammhaus in the centre of Dresden is one of the best! This brewery dates all the way back to 1858! Inside the new three-story restaurant, beer gardens and bar are antiques collected by the brewing family from over the years. The food is as traditional as you can get and it all washes down deliciously with a glass of Feldschlößchen Pilsner or Zwickelbier. Sitting in the restaurant, you feel like you’re dining inside a piece of Dresden’s history! My favourite visual of the restaurant is the giant copper brewing lid which serves as a roof atop the bar!

Dresden is such a wonderful place to explore and get away from the crowds which you’ll find in more popular cities across Germany like Berlin and Munich. It’s still that untapped gem which only those in the know are want to find. If you’re interested in explore more of Dresden, check out my guided walking tour which will take your across old town to discover the history and people who helped created this amazing city. Let me know if you’ve visited Dresden before and what your favourite photo spot was on your last trip to Florence of the North.

Happy Travels Adventurers!

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]]> https://thecreativeadventurer.com/the-most-instagrammable-places-in-dresden-germany/feed/ 1 1007 An Art Guide To The Procession Of Princes In Dresden https://thecreativeadventurer.com/the-procession-of-princes-dresden/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-procession-of-princes-dresden https://thecreativeadventurer.com/the-procession-of-princes-dresden/#respond Tue, 12 Sep 2017 13:34:59 +0000 https://thecreativeadventurer.com//the-procession-of-princes-dresden/ Along the side of the Georgentor, is one of the unique and valuable sites in Dresden. You'll walk by its dozens of times while visiting Dresden and I think it's worth more than a quick glance and few photos. This is the Procession of Princes of Fürstenzug. 

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]]> The Procession of Princes is a remarkable display of art and history that takes visitors on a journey through the cultural heritage of Dresden. This grand ceramic procession features a collection of larger-than-life portraits of Saxony rulers dating back to the 16th century. Beyond its historical significance, the Procession of Princes is also a masterpiece of art. This guide will take you on a tour of the Procession of Princes, exploring the art and history behind this grand display. From the symbolism of the portraits to the stories behind each ruler, you will discover the rich cultural heritage of Dresden and gain a deeper appreciation for the art and history of this remarkable city.

Access

The Procession of Princes, or Fürstenzug, is located in Historic Dresden, Germany. The Procession of Princes Mural is situated outside the Stallhof, on Schlossplatz Square. Walking east along Augustusstraße, you will immediately be overwhelmed by the site of the giant wall installation.

About the Procession of Princes

This 101-meter-long porcelain series of portraits depicts the entire history of Dresden. By portraying the various men who built, controlled, governed and sparked new thoughts and ideas within the city. It features Dukes, Electors, Kings and other leading figures from the arts and sciences.

Porcelain Tiles

Over 24,000 porcelain tiles make up Procession of Princes. The tiles were made in the German town of Meissen. Meissen was made famous for its prolific porcelain factory. Today, the Procession of Princes is the world’s most extensive porcelain work of art. 

History of Mural

Initially, the outer wall of the Stallhof (Stables Courtyard) was decorated with a large fresco. The first fresco dated all the way back to 1589. In 1872, for the 800th anniversary of the princely House of Wettin, a new fresco was commissioned to replace the previous one.

Wilhelm Walther

This version was to be painted by artist Wilhelm Walther. Walther worked on the piece for more than five years. He used the sgraffito technique popular in the 19th century. This sgraffito technique was made by applying layers of plaster tinted in contrasting colours and scratching away to reveal the various layers and colours.

At the back of the group along the mural, look for a man with a large hat poking his head out of the crowd. This is a portrait of Wilhelm Walther, who designed the original fresco.

Sadly, Walther’s new fresco began to deteriorate almost immediately. So in 1904, 23,000 Meissen porcelain tiles were commissioned to replace the painted fresco. Tiles could withstand the outdoor elements and be a permanent solution to ensure the artwork lasted for ages. Each tile was hand painted and fired. Hundreds of artisans were employed to complete the work of art.

WWII

Amazingly, thanks to the strong tiles, the Procession of Princes was minimally damaged during the significant Dresden bombing of WWII. After the war, its remaining artistry served as a beacon of hope for reconstructing the rest of the city of Dresden.

Design of the Mural

Despite being fired in porcelain, it looks closely at the tiny details painted onto the mural to make it appear like a giant woven tapestry. Buttons and tassels hang from below. Also spread throughout the mural are blossoms, fruits, and various birds flying overhead.

Fashion Throughout Time

One of my favourite things about the mural is watching fashion change as we move through history. On the chest of Conrad are the arms of Dresden. The weapons depict the lion of Meissen.

Portraits on the Mural

Across the mural, you’ll find 35 noblemen, princes, dukes and kings. All of these men are seen mounted on horseback. In addition, there are also 59 scientists, artisans, artisans, children, and farmers accompanying these noblemen on foot. 

The only woman portrayed in the mural is a girl in the group of children at the rear of the royal procession.

The man leading the charge is Conrad the Great. He ruled from 1123 until his retirement in 1156. Conrad was the leader of the wealthy Wettin family, for whom the entire mural was made honour.

Augustus the Strong

The most important man in this mural is Augustus II, Augustus the Strong. You’ll hear his name over and over in Dresden. His face was plastered on dozens of statues across the city. Augustus the Strong got his name due to his physical strength. He liked to show off at any opportunity. Once, as the legend goes, he broke a horseshoe in half with his bare hands. History has proved that the horseshoe in question was very brittle, but nevertheless, it impressed the people at the time. 

Augustus had high ambitions for himself and his great city of Dresden. He was a great patron of the arts and architecture. Augustus established the Saxon capital of Dresden as a major cultural centre, attracting artists from across Europe to his court. He collected hundreds of artworks from some of the greatest old masters. 

Augustus and the Polish Throne

But Augustus wanted more, and in 1697 he converted to Catholicism to take control of the Polish throne. See if you can spot the flowers scattered on the ground in the mural. The horse Augustus rides is rearing up and stomping out a large rose. This rose was the symbol of the Lutheran religion. A message that Augustus was stamping out all evidence of his previous belief and was loyal to the Catholic faith.

At the end of the mural, we see a frame with the text that says, “You old tribe, be always again in the noble ranks of princes, as all-time your people consecrate you the old German loyalty.”

The procession ends near the Church of the Holy Trinity entrance, where many men portrayed in this mural are buried.

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]]> https://thecreativeadventurer.com/the-procession-of-princes-dresden/feed/ 0 325 Ultimate Guide to Exploring Dresden’s Amazing Porcelain Gallery Museum https://thecreativeadventurer.com/exploring-dresdens-porcelain-gallery/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=exploring-dresdens-porcelain-gallery https://thecreativeadventurer.com/exploring-dresdens-porcelain-gallery/#respond Mon, 11 Sep 2017 20:57:55 +0000 https://thecreativeadventurer.com//exploring-dresdens-porcelain-gallery/  The Porcelain Gallery is easy to find. It is right underneath the glockenspiel that rings in the Zwinger every hour. The bells on the outside are also made from the same famous porcelain that is on display inside the gallery.
 

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]]> When we purchased our tickets to the Old Masters Gallery in Dresden, we noticed they also came with entry to the Mathematics Gallery and the Porcelain Gallery. Not wanting to miss a single thing in this spectacular city, we headed across the Zwinger to spend the rest of the afternoon in the sparkling galleries of the Porcelain Gallery. The Porcelain Gallery is easy to find. It is right underneath the glockenspiel that rings in the Zwinger every hour. The bells on the outside are also made from the famous porcelain on display inside the gallery.

Table Of Contents
  1. Tickets
  2. History of the Porcelain Gallery
  3. About the Collection
  4. Highlights of the Collection

Tickets

To access the Porcelain Collection, you’ll need to purchase a ticket to the Zwinger Galleries. This ticket includes the Old Masters Gallery, the Mathematical and Physical Instruments museum, and the Porcelain Collection. The ticket does not include admission to Zwinger Xperience. Tickets are €14.00 for adults and €10.50 for children, students and seniors. The Gallery is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., closed on Mondays.

History of the Porcelain Gallery

The Porcelain Collection was established in 1715 by our favourite Dresden hero, Augustus the Strong. Augustus was a collector, and his interest in porcelain exploded in the 17th century after a visit to China. The Dresden collection is the most exquisite and also the largest specialist ceramics collection in the world. There is nowhere else on earth where you can stroll through galleries of hundreds of pieces of world-class porcelain and observe the stunning baroque courtyard through the wonderfully gilded windows of the Zwinger palace.

About the Collection

Over 20,000 porcelain pieces are housed within these walls. Augustus the Strong was obsessed with the porcelain; they even referred to his addiction as Maladie de porcelain, and often he was heard to refer to the stuff as “white gold.” Long after his death, his family and those who oversaw the gallery protected it with the same passion, which is why all these delicate pieces managed to survive the bombing of Dresden. Thanks to their protectors, these pieces were kept safe until the war ended.

Highlights of the Collection

One of the most iconic pieces in the gallery is the Dragoon Vases. These were made famous after Augustus the Strong exchanged a regiment of dragoons for this porcelain set from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. They are classic white porcelain accented with that bright blue engravings.

But Augustus wasn’t happy waiting for this collection to be filled from China; we wanted a porcelain factory right there in Saxony. So in 1708, Johann Friedrich Böttger and Ehrenfried Walther von Tschirnhaus helped establish the first porcelain factory in Germany, in Meissen. Meissen became one of the most sought-after kinds of porcelain in the world.

Dresden Style

In 1850, there were over 200 decorating studios in Dresden, painting the various creations made in the porcelain factories. From these studies came a distinctive “Dresden” style of porcelain design. This was a combination of Meissen and Viennese styles. Dresden porcelain was unique was they made their pieces by pouring liquid porcelain into plaster moulds. This resulted in a thinner, hollow and lightweight final product and therefore was less costly to produce and ship. But what made the Dresden porcelain unique was the addition of lace to the figurines in 1770. Designers would add a small amount of lace around the collars or sleeves of porcelain figures. Then they started to create elaborate skirts and dresses as well.

Dresden porcelain was also replete with flowers adorning the gowns, hair and basis of these figures. The Dresden artists were famous for creating large group scenes, portraying life in court in the 18th century. In these scenes, elaborately dressed ladies danced with courtiers, and musicians played their instruments alongside them.

Saxon Porcelain

But Saxon porcelain wasn’t merely cute court scenes; They also created traditional pieces covered in mythology or Rocco drills. The Meissen porcelain makers also loved sculpture. This was a challenge for them, breaking out of making simple vases or small porcelain figurines. These were almost life-size creations monkeys and lions, eagles and even a peacock. These are all now on display in the gallery, house in their special room dedicated to these creations.

One of my favourite pieces in the exhibit was this HUGE gazebo scene. The enormous baroque roof, complete with cherubs peering down off the sides, is held up with these little columns, beautifully decorated with climbing vines and roses.

Vincennes porcelain bouquet

Another one of the most interesting pieces in the gallery for me was the Vincennes porcelain bouquet. Vincennes porcelain was established in 1740 in the disused Royal Château de Vincennes, east of Paris. The group of flowers is almost ethereal in nature; not humans’ hands could be so dedicated to creating these undying pieces of life is fantastic. The bouquet includes metal stems and foliage, and the flowers stand on a bright white porcelain base decorated with the vase and two little figurine scenes on each side. One can only imagine looking after such a precious piece of porcelain.

All in all, the Porcelain Gallery is an excellent collection and a must-see for anyone visiting Dresden. It is not only a visual stunner but also tells you a lot about the history of Dresden through Porcelain.

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