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Permanent Exhibition

Meissen Albrechtsburg Castle »Trendsetter since 1471«

For more than 540 year, the Meissen Albrechtsburg Castle has been setting trends.
For more than 540 year, the Meissen Albrechtsburg Castle has been setting trends.

By building the Meissen Albrechtsburg Castle, Arnold von Westfalen constructed a masterly edifice whose architectural solutions and concepts of design are still marveled at today. When, in 1710, Augustus the Strong decided to house the first European porcelain manufactory in the castle, the Meissen Albrechtsburg Castle became widely known all over Europe. Today, the castle intrigues us by a modern, innovative exhibition involving virtual arrangements and interactive multi-media terminals, once again proving to be a real »trendsetter«

The five exhibition areas

Duke Albert – the builder of Meissen Albrechtsburg Castle – belonged to the dynasty of the Wettins.
Duke Albert – the builder of Meissen Albrechtsburg Castle – belonged to the dynasty of the Wettins.

At the centre of power – and always one step ahead of the spirit of the age

Saxony and the Wettins have belonged together since the Middle Ages. The dynasty ruled until 1918 at the heart of Europe. Embark on a journey back in time and discover Germany's oldest castle, the ancestral seat of the Wettins.

The late-Gothic architecture becomes especially well visible in the castle’s Grand Hall.
The late-Gothic architecture becomes especially well visible in the castle’s Grand Hall.

The Genial Stroke of Meissen Albrechtsburg Castle – An Architectural Aha-experience

Unlike other major projects in their time, Albrechtsburg Castle did not grow over many building stages, but as a holistic design of the master builder Arnold von Westfalen. From 1471 on, it was he who created a real trendsetter for late-Gothic architecture.

This is what a medieval room could have looked like.
This is what a medieval room could have looked like.

Residing in the castle – what it could have been like

Any castle has its secrets. And we do not pretend to know everything. But what everyday life in the Albrechtsburg could have been like in the late 15th century can very well be recreated – and experienced!

Discover the Meissen Albrechtsburg Castle as Europe’s first procelain manufactory.
Discover the Meissen Albrechtsburg Castle as Europe’s first procelain manufactory.

Experiment and Manufacture – Meissen Albrechtsburg Castle as the First European Porcelain Manufactory

Two years after the discovery of porcelain, Augustus the Strong initiated the foundation of the first European porcelain manufactory at the Meissen Albrechtsburg Castle. The castle became the basis for the triumphant march of the »White Gold«.

Elector Augustus Room | Photo by Joerg Schoener
Elector Augustus Room | Photo by Joerg Schoener

A »Painted Picture Book« of the History of the State – The 19th Century

At the end of the 19th century, after the porcelain manufactory had moved out, Wilhelm Rossmann, Privy Court Councillor, developed his artistic design concept for the entire castle. Its core idea: »a painted picture book« of the history of the dynasties and of the state. Since 1881, when the Meissen Albrechtsburg Castle was reopened as a museum, it has showed its visitors historical events displayed in monumental murals. Thus, it refers to its significance as a central memorial site of Saxon identity.

Admission:

  • Full rate 12,00 EUR
  • Reduced rate 10,00 EUR

Opening hours

Subject to modifications.

people with disabilities

For more than 540 year, the Meissen Albrechtsburg Castle has been setting trends.

More informations

Meissen Albrechtsburg Castle

Domplatz 1 | 01662 Meißen

Property of State Palaces, Castles and Gardens of Saxony, non profit

+49 (0) 3521 4707-0
albrechtsburg@schloesserland-sachsen.de