Under the Glass Dome

Within the Residenz, or the royal palace in Dresden, this inner courtyard has been covered with a translucent, glass dome to facilitate conversion into a ticketing area. Since the Zwinger lacks sufficient space to display all of August the Strong's collections, one goes to the Residenz only to see the "Green Vaults" which house his most precious silver and gold sculptures, turned ivory work, gilded figurines, and ostentatiously decorated shells.

The old green vault was rebuilt to its original, baroque design and houses the most valuable of said items, while the new green vault comprises modern display rooms for his "lesser" pieces. The Residenz also houses the rooms of the Electors...royal apartments which we didn't get to see since they were being rented out that evening for a special event. The old green vault though, was an incredible experience getting to see the precious items displayed the way August the Strong originally intended.