Rüstkammer

The Dresden Armory (Rüstkammer) is one of the world's most important collections of historic weapons, armor, and textiles, and is part of the Dresden State Art Collections. Its history goes back to 1485, when Duke Albrecht the Bold founded the first armor chamber in the Residenzschloss (Royal Palace). Over the centuries, the holdings grew through targeted purchases, gifts, and spoils of war, particularly under Elector August and later rulers. While the collection originally served to showcase the electors' power and prestige, it only gained its present-day art-historical significance after the abolition of the Saxon monarchy in the 1920s. After an eventful past that included evacuations during World War II and the return of the collection from Leningrad in 1958, it can once again be seen today in the heart of the city.

Since February 2013, the Armory has been on display in the imposing Riesensaal (Giant Hall) of the Dresden Residenzschloss. This room, nearly 60 meters (about 197 feet) long, provides an impressive setting for the exhibits. Here you can admire around 1,300 objects from the 15th to the 18th century, arranged in modern display cases. Highlights include the crown of Augustus II and a spectacular ceremonial suit of armor made for King Eric XIV of Sweden, decorated with scenes of the Labors of Hercules. The collection includes a wide range of swords and daggers, firearms, riding equipment, and ceremonial garments, made by European goldsmiths and armorers as well as court costume tailors.

A special chapter of the collection is the so-called Türckische Cammer (Turkish Chamber), which has also been on permanent display in the Residenzschloss since 2010. It showcases more than 600 Oriental and Orientalizing objects, including weapons taken as spoils from the Battle of Vienna in 1683. The offerings are complemented by the Gewehrgalerie (Rifle Gallery), opened in 2021 in the restored Langer Gang (Long Corridor), which presents the Armory's extensive firearms collection. Together, these exhibition areas offer a deep insight into court culture, military history, and the decorative arts of the early modern period.