Rüstkammer

Current exhibitions

About the museum

The Rüstkammer (Armory) is the oldest collection of today's Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden. Its origins go back to the early 16th century, when a ducal armor chamber was set up in the Residenzschloss under Duke George the Bearded. Elector Augustus had the holdings inventoried for the first time in 1567; under Christian I, the collection moved from 1586 into the newly built Stallhof stables building, where armor, ceremonial weapons and festival trappings were displayed in numerous chambers.

In the 18th century the collection moved to the neighboring Secret War Chancellery, and from 1832 it was open to the public as the Royal Historical Museum in the Zwinger. In 1877 it returned to the remodeled stables building, today's Johanneum. Evacuated during World War II, most of the holdings were taken to the Soviet Union in 1945 and did not return to Dresden until 1958; from 1959, part of the collection was on view in the Semper Building at the Zwinger.

With the reconstruction of the Residenzschloss, the Rüstkammer is gradually returning to its original home: the Türckische Cammer (Turkish Chamber) opened in 2010, the Riesensaal (Giant Hall), restored to its original dimensions, in 2013, the State Apartments of Augustus the Strong in 2019, the Rifle Gallery in the Long Passage in 2021, and the presentation "Masken und Kronen" on the Festetage (festive floor) in 2026.

With around 13,000 objects – armor, ceremonial weapons, costumes, riding equipment and hunting gear – the Rüstkammer is one of the most important collections of its kind in the world.

Highlights

• Giant Hall with around 350 tournament armors and weapons and the multimedia show "Aufgalopp"
• Turkish Chamber with the 20-meter-long Ottoman state tent from the 17th century
• Ceremonial armor of King Eric XIV of Sweden with scenes from the life of Hercules
• Royal State Apartments of Augustus the Strong
• Sun mask of Augustus the Strong in the presentation "Masken und Kronen"
• Rifle Gallery in the Long Passage

Permanent exhibitions

• Riesensaal – In the 741 m² column-free banqueting hall, nearly 350 suits of armor, lances and swords from the 15th to 17th centuries illustrate the tournament culture of the Saxon court; a light and sound show runs every hour.
• Türckische Cammer – Around 600 Ottoman objects from the 16th to 19th centuries – tents, riding equipment, weapons and helmets – form one of the most important collections of Ottoman art outside Turkey; the centerpiece is a huge state tent.
• Masken und Kronen. Festkultur und Machtrepräsentation am Dresdner Hof – Designed together with the Porcelain Collection, this presentation on the Festetage leads through three centuries of court festivities with costumes, ceremonial weapons and decorations, including the sun mask of Augustus the Strong.

Founded

1832

Operated by

Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden

Director

Dr. Marius Winzeler

Admission & discounts

The Rüstkammer is included in the Residenzschloss house ticket (1 day), which covers all exhibitions in the palace including special exhibitions (Rüstkammer with Giant Hall and Turkish Chamber, State Apartments, New Green Vault, Coin Cabinet, Kupferstich-Kabinett, Hausmann Tower) – but not the Historic Green Vault. Free admission on your birthday.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours
• Easy-to-read materials
• Audio description: no information

Step-free entrance on Schloßstraße; Taschenberg/Sophienstraße entrance via the Bärengarten with a ramp (6% gradient), doors are heavy. Three elevators (door width 90 and 62 cm) with floor announcements, no tactile markings. Wheelchair-accessible restrooms in the basement and on the third floor. Two accessible parking spaces at the Bärengarten entrance. Induction loops in the museum, tactile model of the palace with Braille, companion book with tactile plans. Regular guided tours with sign language interpretation and in Easy Language.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities
• Kids’ birthday parties

Children's tour "Residenzschloss" (approx. 120 min.) in the free multimedia guide; children's birthday parties for ages 6 to 10 (approx. 2 hours), for example on the history of costume or board games. Strollers are generally allowed but may be refused entry when it is very crowded; nursing and baby changing facilities in every building. No food, drinks or larger diaper bags in the exhibitions.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant
• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers
• Wi-Fi

Restaurant "Anna" in the former court wine cellar of the Residenzschloss; Walther König bookshop. Free cloakroom and lockers (€1/€2 coin deposit); bags larger than 20 × 15 × 10 cm must be checked. Free Wi-Fi "MUSEUM_SKD".

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Up to 96 guests.

Rentals through MSU Museen erleben GmbH: the Small Ballroom in the State Apartments area (122 m², up to 96 people in theater seating, 70 for a standing reception), which can be combined with the Queen's Audience Chamber; outside opening hours (Wed–Mon from 17:30, all day on Tuesdays). Other rooms in the Residenzschloss (including the Palace Chapel and the Small Palace Courtyard) are also available through MSU.

Plan your visit