Guide: discover-6-ordinary-art-galleries-in-Saxony
June 11, 2025
Saxony, a region in Germany with a rich cultural history, is a real treasure trove for art lovers. In particular, Dresden, the capital of Saxony, is famous for its impressive art collections and modern galleries. In this guide, we will take you on a fascinating journey through six unique art galleries that offer unforgettable experiences for adults and children alike. From classic works by old masters to avant-garde contemporary installations, each of these galleries has something unique to offer. Get ready for an inspiring trip through the world of art that will spark your imagination and leave an indelible impression.
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Classic and modern in the heart of Dresden
Our artistic journey begins with two iconic galleries in the center of Dresden, which present a cross-section through the history of art from the Renaissance to the present day.
The first stop is the Old Masters Picture Gallery (Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister), located in the imposing Zwinger building at Theaterplatz 1. This world-renowned gallery, open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (closed on Mondays), is a veritable treasure trove of European art from the 15th to 18th centuries. The ticket price for adults is about 14 euros (as of 2024), children and teenagers under 16 years of age have free admission.
In the gallery you can admire masterpieces by such masters as Rembrandt, Rubens, Titian and Vermeer. We especially recommend that families with children take advantage of audio guides tailored to different age groups, which tell the story of the most important works in an accessible way. For the youngest, there are special thematic tours that reveal the secrets of art in the form of a game.
To reach the gallery, the most convenient way is to take the streetcar (lines 4, 8 or 9) getting off at the Theaterplatz stop, from where it is only a few minutes' walk to the entrance.
The next point on our itinerary is the New Masters Gallery (Galerie Neue Meister), located in the Albertinum at Tzschirnerplatz 2. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., this gallery focuses on art from Romanticism to the present day. An entrance ticket costs about 12 euros for adults, children under 16 get in for free.
At the Albertinum you will see works by artists such as Caspar David Friedrich, Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh and Gerhard Richter. The gallery offers regular workshops for families with children, where the little ones can create their own works inspired by modern art.
The Albertinum is most easily reached by streetcar (lines 3, 7 or 8) by getting off at the Synagoge stop, from where you can reach the gallery in 5 minutes.
Both galleries are handicap accessible, offering elevators and wheelchair-accessible restrooms. Near both locations you will find many cafes and restaurants where you can relax and discuss your impressions of your visit.
Remember that visiting galleries with children requires proper preparation. It is advisable to tell them in advance about what they will see and establish rules of behavior. We also recommend taking breaks between viewing the various rooms to avoid weariness for the youngest.
The modern face of Saxon art
Continuing our artistic journey, we move to the space where contemporary art reigns. The next two galleries we visit offer fascinating insights into current trends and innovative approaches to artistic creation.
The third stop on our tour is the C. Rockefeller Center for the Contemporary Arts, located at Rudolf-Leonhard-Straße 54 in the Neustadt district. This independent gallery, open Wednesday through Sunday from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm, is a true center of experimental contemporary art. Admission is free, making it an excellent option for families looking for an inspiring experience without straining the budget.
C. Rockefeller Center is known for its bold exhibitions that often push the boundaries of traditional understanding of art. It regularly hosts workshops for children and teens, where young artists can experiment with different media and techniques. Parents should note, however, that some exhibitions may contain content unsuitable for the youngest - it's worth checking the program in advance.
The easiest way to reach the gallery is by streetcar (lines 7 or 8), getting off at the Bischofsweg stop, from where it's a short 5-minute walk.
The next stop on our tour is GALERIE HOLGER JOHN at Rähnitzgasse 17. This intimate gallery, open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., specializes in presenting works by established contemporary artists as well as emerging talents. Admission is free, allowing visitors to freely explore art without time pressure.
GALERIE HOLGER JOHN is famous for its regularly changing exhibitions that include painting, sculpture and installations. It's a great place to show children how diverse contemporary art can be. The gallery often holds meetings with artists, which can be a fascinating experience for young art enthusiasts.
To get to the gallery, the most convenient way is to take the streetcar (lines 4 or 9), getting off at the Palaisplatz stop, from where you can reach the gallery in 3 minutes.
Both galleries, although focusing on contemporary art, are family-friendly. The staff is happy to answer questions and help you understand the works on display. It's worth remembering, however, that unlike traditional museums, these spaces may be less suited to the needs of the youngest visitors - no seating or play space.
In the vicinity of both galleries you will find many interesting cafes and restaurants where you can take a break from sightseeing. We especially recommend the Neustadt area, where C. Rockefeller Center is located - it's a lively neighborhood full of colorful murals and alternative eateries, perfect for strolling and exploring Dresden's urban culture.
Remember that contemporary art can be an interpretive challenge even for adults. Be prepared for questions from children and treat it as an opportunity to talk about the emotions and impressions that works of art evoke in us. This is a great opportunity to develop creativity and critical thinking in the youngest.
Alternative views of art
At the end of our art journey in Saxony, we will visit two galleries that offer a slightly different view of the art world, combining tradition with modernity and involving the local art community.
The fifth stop is Galerie Gebr. Lehmann, located at Neustädter Markt 11/12. This prestigious gallery, which has been in operation since 1995, is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free, making it accessible to all art lovers, regardless of budget.
Galerie Gebr. Lehmann is renowned for showcasing the work of both established international artists and promising talents from the Saxon region. The exhibitions change regularly, offering a wide cross-section through different styles and media - from painting and sculpture to multimedia installations. It's a great place to show children how diverse contemporary art can be.
The gallery also organizes educational events and workshops for young people, which can be a great opportunity to develop artistic interests. It's worth following their calendar of events on their website.
The easiest way to reach the gallery is by streetcar (lines 4, 8 or 9), getting off at the Neustädter Markt stop, from where it's just a minute's walk to the entrance.
The last point on our route is the Kunstverein Dresden, located at Neustädter Markt 8, right next to the previous gallery. This institution, which has been in operation since 1991, is open Tuesday through Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Admission is charged, but prices are affordable - about 5 euros for adults, children under 18 get in for free.
Kunstverein Dresden is not only a gallery, but also a place to meet and discuss art. It regularly hosts exhibitions by young artists, often experimenting with new forms of expression. It's a great place to show children and young people that art can be a tool for expressing socially important topics.
The gallery also offers educational programs for schools and families, including art workshops and curatorial tours tailored to different age groups. It's worth checking out their offerings before visiting.
Getting to Kunstverein Dresden is the same as getting to Galerie Gebr. Lehmann - by streetcar to the Neustädter Markt stop.
Both galleries are located in the heart of the Neustadt district, known for Dresden's alternative art scene. After the tour, take a walk through the surrounding streets, full of colorful murals and unusual art installations. It's a great opportunity to show children that art doesn't have to be confined to galleries, but can be an integral part of urban space.
Near both galleries you will find many family-friendly cafes and restaurants where you can relax and discuss your impressions of the exhibition. We especially recommend Café Neustadt, which offers a children's play area in addition to delicious snacks.
Remember that visiting a contemporary art gallery with children can be a challenge. It's a good idea to talk to them before the visit about what to expect and encourage them to express their own opinions about the works on view. This is a great opportunity to develop creativity and critical thinking.
All in all, these six art galleries in Saxony offer a fascinating journey through the history of art - from the classical masters to the most avant-garde contemporary experiments. Each has its own unique character and atmosphere, so your family trip will be full of diverse experiences and inspiration. Whether you're a seasoned art lover or just beginning your adventure with galleries, Saxony certainly has a lot to offer you.
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