The Mathematisch-Physikalischer Salon

in the Dresden Zwinger

After a period of closure lasting more than six years, the Mathematisch-Physikalischer Salon (Royal Cabinet of Mathematical and Physical Instruments) has been re-opened its doors to the public. One of the oldest collections of historical scientific instruments in the world is once again ready to showcase its collection in rooms within the Dresden Zwinger that have regained their splendor and which now contain almost twice as much space for exhibits.

The new permanent exhibition at the Zwinger

The permanent exhibition has been extensively revised and now clearly reflects the history of the collection itself ...more

We proudly present

Scientists of the museum present the collection's masterpieces. On view: a tower clock, a double-lens burning apparatus and a Odometer (in German language) ...more

Begun just over 300 years ago, the Zwinger was re-configured in 1728 as the Palais des sciences, and the Mathematisch-Physikalischer Salon is the only collection to have been part of this Dresden landmark ever since. The Zwinger’s function as an orangery and a setting for court festivities was short-lived; its use and importance as a museum, by contrast, remains undiminished to this day.

The pavilion of the Zwinger that has housed the Salon since 1746 and the galleries adjoining it have undergone extensive renovations over the last few years. The Salon now commands an exhibition space that extends all the way from the Kronentor (Crown Gate) to the Wallpavillon (Ramparts Pavillion), with the Grottensaal, the lower-floor portion of the pavilion once housing a grotto, now providing a suitably grand entrance to the historical collection. Prior to the renovation campaign the Grottensaal had served as an exhibition room; with its conversion, however, a new exhibition space has been excavated out of the Zwinger ramparts.

Milestones of Science - Masterpieces of Art

Mechanical calculator by Blaise Pascal

This machine is one of the oldest surviving mechanical calculators in the world ...more

Astronomical clock by Eberhard Baldewein

This machine is one of the oldest surviving mechanical calculators in the world ...more

The Grande Complication

Grande Complication "La Grandiose" is the name given to the most complicated pocket watches produced in the second half of the 19th century. ...more

Terrestrial globe

The terrestrial globe made by Willem Janszoon Blaeu and his son Joan dates from the “Golden Age” of Dutch cartography ...more