The Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden(SKD) is one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious museum networks, bringing together fifteen museums and research institutions across Dresden and other Saxon cities. For centuries, SKD has safeguarded exceptional collections while advancing research, conservation and public engagement.
Within SKD, the Porzellansammlung (Porcelain Collection) is internationally renowned for its outstanding holdings of Meissen, Chinese and Japanese porcelain. Established from the collections of the Saxon electors, it has been systematically documented since 1721, making it one of the oldest catalogued ceramic collections in the world. During the Second World War, thousands of objects were evacuated to castles and mines to protect them from the destruction of Dresden. Although many pieces were later taken to the Soviet Union as war trophies, the majority returned to Dresden in the 1950s, allowing the Porzellansammlung to reopen to the public in the Zwinger Palace in 1962.
Today, SKD combines tradition with innovation. Its dedicated conservation laboratory works closely with universities and research institutes, applying advanced scientific methods to study, preserve and document ceramic heritage. One of its landmark achievements is the digital catalogue of around 8,000 East Asian ceramic objects from the historic collection of Augustus the Strong, providing worldwide access to high-quality images, provenance records and scholarly information.
As a partner in Joining the Shards, SKD contributes internationally recognised expertise in ceramic conservation, research, documentation and museum practice, helping to develop innovative approaches for safeguarding and interpreting Europe’s ceramic heritage.
Learn more about our partner and follow the project as we continue to connect conservation, research and storytelling across Europe.
Joining the Shards project is co-funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ Programme.
