Semper Gallery

The long-stretched building in Neoclassical style closes the Zwinger courtyard on its northern side.

It faces the Zwinger to the south; to the north it borders on the Theatre Square (Theaterplatz) with the Semper Opera House as well as Dresden Castle and the Catholic Church of the Royal Court (Katholische Hofkirche).

When the Zwinger was completed in 1728, its northern side towards the Theater Square and the river was left open in order to allow for further enlargements.

[1] In 1838, the architect Gottfried Semper was asked to design an appropriate architectural setting for the painting collection of the royal court.

Unlike the former buildings that housed the painting collection, the interior of the Semper Gallery could be heated and therefore could remain open throughout the year.