Semper Opera House is one of the finest and most celebrated opera houses in the world. It was built in an Italianate Renaissance style and overlooks Dresden's theatre square. Its fabulous acoustics and beautiful interior with marble stucco, precious metals and paintings make every visit a real experience.

Pinnacle of European theatre architecture
Semper Opera House is among the finest opera houses in the world. Its magnificent interior with rich stucco craftsmanship, beautiful wall and ceiling paintings and extraordinary acoustic properties attracts visitors in droves. Known officially as the Saxony State Opera, its opera company ranks as one of the oldest and most important in the world. The magnificent building is a magical sight at night when it is bathed in a warm and colourful light.

Many of Dresden's 30 or so museums are world-class. The Zwinger Palace houses the famous Old Masters Gallery with the "Sistine Madonna" and the world's largest porcelain collection. Equally renowned is the collection of former crown jewels, now on display in the Green Vault on Brühl Terrace. For contemporary art, head for the New Masters Gallery, the New Saxon Art Association (Neuer Sächsischer Kunstverein), the university of fine arts or any of around 60 other galleries.

The Dresden State Orchestra and the Dresden Philharmonic rank among the top orchestras in the world, and the Kreuzchor boys' choir enjoys similar status. . More than 20 theatres in the city offer plenty of choice, from classical drama to experimental theatre, from musicals to cabaret.