On 8 May 1945, the day of Germany's surrender at the end of World War II, exiled communist Erich Braun returns along with the Red Army to his native city of Dresden, only three months after it was devastated in aerial bombardment.

He aids a group of Soviet soldiers to recover the art of the Old Masters Picture Gallery from the ruins of the Zwinger Palace.

Leonov is referred to the artist Paul Naumann, who possesses paintings, but they are his own works depicting the city’s devastation and his lost love, Katrin.

Initially reluctant to disclose anything, Luise recognizes Leonov’s passion for art and hands him a map showing a tunnel where dozens of paintings, including Rembrandt’s The Prodigal Son in the Tavern, are hidden.

In the tunnel, Paul encounters Erich Braun, who reveals that Katrin was arrested alongside him and likely killed in a concentration camp for helping a Russian woman.

When Raphael’s *Sistine Madonna* is unveiled, everyone is deeply moved, even Sergeant Koslow, who had previously dismissed the importance of art amidst the city’s devastation.

As the search for more missing artworks continues, the soldiers focus on Schloss Waldstein, rumored to be harboring SS officers and stolen paintings.

In Dresden, Katrin becomes active in aiding the city’s orphans, urging Paul to join the effort, though he remains withdrawn.

Inspired by Katrin and the orphans, Paul finally picks up his brushes to paint a poster featuring the blond boy holding a teddy bear, a gift from Koslow.