History of the Collection

The Mathematisch-Physikalischer Salon has been located in the Dresden Zwinger since its founding in the year 1728. The collection has its origins in the Dresden Art Chamber founded by Elector August around 1560. By 1587, the Art Chamber already boasted nearly one thousand mathematical-technical devices. Elector August acquired state-of-the-art tools and scientific instruments primarily in Nuremberg and Augsburg – imperial cities of Southern Germany. With regard to form as well as function, they fulfilled the demands of a princely collection in every respect.

August the Strong not only purchased scientific instruments in other cities, but also engaged gifted craftsmen to come to Saxony. Together, the Saxon craftsmen and their colleagues from abroad laid the foundation for the development of an independent Saxon instrument-making school of the highest standard.

Shortly after the »Royal Cabinet of Mathematical and Physical Instruments« settled in its new quarters in the Zwinger in 1728, the first inventory of the collection was drawn up. In the year 1746 the museum finally received the name it still bears today – »Mathematisch-Physikalischer Salon.«