![Palace of Culture (Kulturpalast), Dresden](/img/gd_attr/38086.jpg)
Palace of Culture (Kulturpalast), Dresden
The Palace of Culture (Kulturpalast) in Dresden, designed by Wolfgang Hänsch, is a notable modernist landmark built during the German Democratic Republic era. Opening in 1969, it was initially part of a grander Socialist Classicist project, later scaled back to the pragmatic yet ambitious cubic design by Leopold Wiel. Although originally planned for further expansion, these additions were never completed.
Situated in the historic heart of Dresden, amidst the Altmarkt square, the Palace of Culture stands out with its International Style architecture, differentiating itself from the more traditional buildings in the vicinity. Its location is strategic, bordered by Wilsdruffer Street and close to Castle Street (Schloßstraße) and New Market (Neumarkt), areas significant both historically and in terms of urban development.
The building has served multiple functions over the decades, ranging from concerts to conferences, showcasing its versatility through features like its "tilting parquet" which allowed the main ballroom to transition from a tiered auditorium to a flat banquet hall. Additionally, the original structure housed a smaller 192-seat theatre, various educational and administrative spaces, and a restaurant.
In 2012, the Palace of Culture underwent extensive renovations to modernize and repurpose its facilities, reopening in 2017 with a newly designed concert hall. This hall, now primarily home to the Dresden Philharmonic, offers enhanced acoustics and a more intimate seating arrangement. The renovation also repurposed parts of the building for the Dresden City Libraries and a performance space for the cabaret group Die Herkuleskeule.
Artistically, the Palace of Culture is notable for its inclusion of significant artworks from the GDR era, including a large mural on its west facade by Gerhard Bondzin, and a frieze by Heinz Drache and Walter Rehn that depicts socialist life. The building's main entrance doors, designed by Gerd Jaeger, narrate Dresden's evolution from a modest fishing village to a bustling urban center.
Situated in the historic heart of Dresden, amidst the Altmarkt square, the Palace of Culture stands out with its International Style architecture, differentiating itself from the more traditional buildings in the vicinity. Its location is strategic, bordered by Wilsdruffer Street and close to Castle Street (Schloßstraße) and New Market (Neumarkt), areas significant both historically and in terms of urban development.
The building has served multiple functions over the decades, ranging from concerts to conferences, showcasing its versatility through features like its "tilting parquet" which allowed the main ballroom to transition from a tiered auditorium to a flat banquet hall. Additionally, the original structure housed a smaller 192-seat theatre, various educational and administrative spaces, and a restaurant.
In 2012, the Palace of Culture underwent extensive renovations to modernize and repurpose its facilities, reopening in 2017 with a newly designed concert hall. This hall, now primarily home to the Dresden Philharmonic, offers enhanced acoustics and a more intimate seating arrangement. The renovation also repurposed parts of the building for the Dresden City Libraries and a performance space for the cabaret group Die Herkuleskeule.
Artistically, the Palace of Culture is notable for its inclusion of significant artworks from the GDR era, including a large mural on its west facade by Gerhard Bondzin, and a frieze by Heinz Drache and Walter Rehn that depicts socialist life. The building's main entrance doors, designed by Gerd Jaeger, narrate Dresden's evolution from a modest fishing village to a bustling urban center.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Dresden. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Palace of Culture (Kulturpalast) on Map
Sight Name: Palace of Culture (Kulturpalast)
Sight Location: Dresden, Germany (See walking tours in Dresden)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Dresden, Germany (See walking tours in Dresden)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Dresden, Germany
Create Your Own Walk in Dresden
Creating your own self-guided walk in Dresden is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Dresden Introduction Walking Tour
Dresden was likely settled on the banks of the River Elbe by Neolithic tribes as far back as 7,500 BC. But it also has a long and storied history as the long-time capital of Saxony. The Electors and Kings lived here for centuries, appointing the city with every cultural and artistic treasure.
Its modern form--and its name--comes from early Germanic people, who expanded East to mine the Ore... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Its modern form--and its name--comes from early Germanic people, who expanded East to mine the Ore... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Dresden New Town Walk
The Neustadt (New Town) of Dresden is a central district located on the north bank of the Elbe. Despite the name, this part of the city is not at all new and has been inhabited for as long as the Old Town on the opposite side of the river. Its “novelty” derives from "Neue Königliche Stadt" (New Royal Town), which is the title given to the area, formerly the district of Altendresden,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Dresden's Architectural Jewels
If there is one thing Dresden is particularly famous for, it is the magnificent architecture. Although known primarily for its Baroque buildings, the city has several other architectural styles present too, such as Renaissance, Historicism, Modernism and Post-modernism.
Much of downtown Dresden was destroyed in February 1945 by Allied bombing, which in turn prompted the rebuilding of the... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Much of downtown Dresden was destroyed in February 1945 by Allied bombing, which in turn prompted the rebuilding of the... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles