Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden (Dresden State Art Collections)
Masterpieces in 15 museums
Out of all the cultural beacons, the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden (SKD) possess the broadest range of cultural assets in terms of holdings and scope. In addition to 15 museums, the SKD also operates the Art Fund, the Gerhard Richter Archive and the Art Library. With its impressive array of art treasures, the SKD is one of the most prominent museums in the world.
The collections originated from an art cabinet established in the mid-16th century and cultivated by the Saxon Prince Electors. Under the aegis of artistically minded rulers, such as August the Strong and his son, the collection expanded into what is today a magnificent, representative ensemble of Baroque courtly culture, evident in the collections held at the Zwinger, Royal Palace, Albertinum and Pillnitz Castle.
In 2010 the Saxon State Ethnographical Collections with locations in Dresden, Leipzig and Herrnhut were welcomed into the SKD consortium of partner institutions. This move allows them to take greater advantage of the potential for collaboration on joint projects, exhibitions and research endeavours.