Zwinger

The Zwinger is a palace complex in the German city of Dresden that was built between 1710 and 1728. It now serves as a museum. The Zwinger is a good example of the late Baroque architectural style. The Zwinger was constructed in the space between the former city fortifications; the name means 'between the walls'. The complex is built around a large courtyard that was originally used for tournaments, parades, and parties. Pavilions and gates were built around the courtyard. Augustus the Strong (1670-1733), Elector of Saxony and also King of Poland, was the client. Architect Matthäus Daniel Pöppelmann (1662-1736) and sculptor Balthasar Permoser (1651-1732) collaborated on the construction. In the mid-nineteenth century, the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister was built on the northeast side of the Zwinger, at Theaterplatz, designed by Gottfried Semper. During the interwar period, the complex was restored under the direction of Baroque expert and architect Cornelius Gurlitt. During the bombing of Dresden in 1945, the Zwinger was heavily damaged. The restoration of the Zwinger began as early as 1945 under the guidance of Hubert Georg Ermisch. He was succeeded by architects Max Zimmermann and Arthur Frenzel, who led the restoration until 1964. Between 1989 and 1990, the Kronentor was restored. The east wing of the Gemäldegalerie was reopened in 1956, while the west wing was only restored in 1960.

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