museumlover

Hey Fodorites! Can you clear up my confusion regarding the Albertinum Collection in Dresden. I realize the Albertinum is closed until sometime in 2009, but isn't part of the collection still on display somewhere? Some sites indicate part of the collection is in the Zwinger while other sites indicate the whole collection is "on hold". Who is correct? Does anyone know?
My second question would be this...if you only had one full day to visit Dresden, what would you visit? Thanks and happy travels from the Museumlover!

Ingo

I would not bet the Albertinum will be reopened in 2009. I heard it will be fall 2010. The construction works progress SLOW.

Very few pictures are on display in the Picture Gallery Old Masters, in a separate room. They change the selection from time to time. The rest of the collectin is either in storage or travelling all over the world.

One day? Urgh. That's tough. Since I am a local I cannot really help, I think. I personally love the beautiful 19th century residential areas around the Blue Wonder bridge more than the partially rebuilt old town, but the main sights are certainly to find in the latter.

See Frauenkirche, Zwinger, Catholic Cathedral, the mural "procession of princes", stroll along Brühl's terrace, see a museum/gallery (Picture Gallery Old Masters, New and/or Historical Green Vault, Porcelain Collection), join a guided tour of the Semper Opera house. I highly recommend to climb the tower of the Royal Palace (Hausmannsturm) for best views. If you have enough time or are tired of other activities stroll through the Neustadt (New Town) on the right bank.

Otzi

I've been told many places are "The Hidden Gem of Europe", but Dresden truly is. We stopped there last December as an after thought on our way to the very disappointing city of Prague. Dresden was absolutely amazing. The whole area around the Zwinger is gorgeous. We were lucky enough to be there during the Christmas Market. Some of the best deals on smokers and nutcrackers that we've seen in years. I can't wait to go back.

DAX

Otzi, I think you just made Ingo's day. I bet he's still smiling from ear to ear.

annhig

<<We were lucky enough to be there during the Christmas Market. Some of the best deals on smokers and nutcrackers that we've seen in years.>>

who or what is a smoker?

my mind is boggling.

regards, ann

wanderfrau

annhig
Smokers are very special incense burners. Look here for some photos
www.saxongifts.com
I have no affiliation with this place and never ordered from them, but, it was the best way to show you.

museumlover
I will visit Dresden the end of the month for 5 days. I'm having trouble deciding what to see and what to skip.

Since you love museums check out
http://tinyurl.com/3fehyj
and
http://tinyurl.com/4crhy8

And I also suggest
http://tinyurl.com/5y3kau
because the castles and palaces are also like museums.

Have fun planning and look for my trip report.

Ingo

Oh yeah, DAX, totally true. I had to raise a glass of prosecco on Otzi's post ;-) Thanks Otzi!

annhig, you do know what nutcrackers, pyramids, candle arches are, don't you? ;-)

annhig

Well, I'll go to the foot of our stairs.

I had truly guessed that a "smoker" was a sort of jacket! wrong.

i have to say that I'm still not entirely sure what it does or how it does it, but I'm a bit closer to the truth.

Ingo - nutcrackers i get, [and indeed possess] but candle arches and pyramids [except in the egyptian sense] are still a mystery.

regards, ann

wanderfrau

It's a smoker -- just not a German smoker!

Ingo

I don't have enough time right now to explain what these Christmas items are, sorry, but wikipedia has it described:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schwibbogen

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_pyramid

I.

museumlover

Thanks for all the advice! I'm checking out the websites. Thanks again!
Museumlover