The Porzellansammlung offers visitors unique insight into the craft of porcelain. Started by Augustus the Strong, it is one of the most beautiful porcelain collections in the world. The former king of Poland and elector of Saxony was obsessed with 'white gold' – porcelain – and collected pieces of Chinese and Japanese porcelain. In 1710 Augustus founded Europe's first porcelain manufacturer in Dresden, which later moved to Meissen. The Porzellansammlung delves into this history, showcasing the Meissen porcelain company’s spectacular achievements from the very first century of its operation. Walking through the museum, visitors will see porcelain works including the famous chinoiseries, royal dinner services and monumental groups of figures. They will also discover more about the collection's fascinating history – it was taken by the Soviet Union as a trophy of war in 1945, and the full collection was only returned in 1958.
The Porzellansammlung is situated in the Zwinger building, itself offering a great experience for visitors. It is the most popular destination in Dresden after the Frauenkirche, because of its gardens and fountain, which is considered one of Germany’s most important examples of Baroque architecture.