Theatre and Music

Discover cultural Dresden. With its long and rich history of art and culture, Dresden is a true jewel of the arts. We recommend six venues – from opera and theatre to entertainment – where you should definitely take a look at their programmes when you visit Dresden. Our concierge team will be happy to advise you and help you organise your tickets.  
 

Dresdner Musikfestspiele

The Dresdner Musikfestspiele is one of the most important festivals for classical music in Europe. Since its foundation in 1978, it has presented a top-class programme featuring international orchestras, soloists and ensembles every spring. Under the artistic direction of cellist Jan Vogler, the music festival has developed into a forum for musical exchange and artistic diversity.
The festival has a different theme each year, which serves as a central thread running through the programme. It combines classical masterpieces with exciting discoveries and cross-genre projects. In this way, it builds a bridge between tradition and the present, inviting the audience to discover ever-new musical perspectives.

The concerts take place at various venues in Dresden, some of which are historically significant, including the Semperoper, the Kulturpalast and the Palais im Großen Garten, as well as churches and modern venues such as the Kraftwerk Mitte. This variety of venues gives the festival its special atmosphere and makes every concert visit a memorable experience.
Our concierge team will be happy to help you plan your cultural visit and advise you on the selection and organisation of your concert tickets.

Contact: Dresdner Musikfestspiele | Hauptstraße 21 01097 Dresden | T +49 (0)351–478 56 0

Semper Opera House

Cultural Jewel of Dresden: The Semper Opera House (Semperoper) graces Theatre Square (Theaterplatz) in the historic heart of Dresden, standing as a shining example of Neo‑Renaissance architecture. Originally designed by Gottfried Semper, the opera house was completed in 1841, tragically destroyed in 1945 and meticulously reconstructed to its former glory, reopening in 1985.

Since the 2024–25 season, Nora Schmid has served as Intendant of the Semperoper. With a background in dramaturgy and previous leadership at Oper Graz, she brings fresh perspectives and in-depth dramaturgical expertise to Dresden. Her vision aims to engage both local communities and global opera lovers, emphasising tradition alongside innovation.

Staatskapelle Dresden & Chief Conductor: Founded in 1548, the Staatskapelle Dresden is one of the world’s oldest and most distinguished orchestras. Its current Chief Conductor, Daniele Gatti, began his tenure on 1 August 2024, succeeding Christian Thielemann, whose contract concluded earlier that year.

Chorus & Ballet: The State Opera Chorus, established in 1817, continues to thrive under esteemed direction. Meanwhile, the celebrated Semperoper Ballet remains a vital component of the house’s artistic identity, upholding a proud tradition of excellence.

2024–25 Season Highlights
Under revitalised artistic leadership, the Semperoper’s new season presents a vibrant blend of beloved classics and bold new productions, including: Wagner’s Der fliegende Holländer, a revival of Strauss’s Intermezzo (100 years since its Dresden premiere), Czech premieres and contemporary innovative ballets. A spirit of dialogue between stage and audience is central, with post-performance discussions and community engagement events.

Why Visit Now?

• Architectural Excellence: A faithful restoration of Semper’s vision
• World‑class Performances: Opera, orchestra and ballet under visionary new leadership
• Heritage Meets Innovation: Tradition honoured and reinvented, from Wagner and Strauss to contemporary works
• Engaging Experiences: Expanded audience interaction, guided tours and educational outreach

The Semperoper truly is Dresden’s cultural heartbeat – an essential visit for art lovers, music aficionados and travellers seeking an unforgettable experience.

Contact: Saxon State Opera Dresden | Theaterplatz 2, 01067 Dresden | T +49 351 4911 705

Kraftwerk Mitte

The Kraftwerk Mitte is a former heating power station in the centre of the city, having provided the citizens of Dresden with energy for years. Today the Kraftwerk Mitte offers a cultural mix for young and old and has become the home of numerous cultural institutions. The Staatsoperette Dresden is a musical theatre, opera and theatre under one roof, and is a must for every Dresden holiday. In addition, the Kraftwerk Mitte houses the 'tjg. theater young generation' as well as a hip discotheque. A visit is worth it.

Culture Palace Dresden

Built in 1969 in the former DDR, the Kulturpalast is today a modern concert hall of international prestige. Since 29 April 2017, the new Kulturpalast has formed the cultural centre of the city of Dresden. With its new concert hall, the new cultural palace forms the backdrop for the world-famous Dresden symphony orchestra. Let yourself be enchanted by breathtaking acoustics.

Furthermore, the Kulturpalast houses the new Central Library and is the new home of the Kabaretttheater 'Die Herkuleskeule'. At that time it will become a home for the world famous Dresden symphonic Orchestra, a revue theatre and a library. It is build as a place of science and arts and to bring people together.

Theatre boat

For an experience of a special kind, the theatre boat is ready and waiting on the Elbe. The ship departs from the Terrassenufer at Augustusbrücke and starts its entertaining journey with you. In addition to the theatre performances, a ship's bar and the ship's restaurant 'Brasserie Bateau', which serves delicious French meals, await you. The result is an unforgettable atmosphere that you are unlikely to forget.

Boulevard Theatre

Founded in 2014, the Boulevard Theatre is now one of the most popular theatre locations in the city of Dresden. The diverse programme attracts young and old to the privately run house. First-class in-house productions are presented in two halls and even musicals and shows find their place in the programme. Don't miss this unique experience - laughter is guaranteed in most cases.

Staatsschauspiel

Today, the Dresden Staatsschauspiel runs two theatres. The Staatsschauspiel in the old town, where operas and ballets were performed in the past, and the small house in the Neustadt, which was an inn at the beginning. Feel free to check out the programme and let yourself be seduced by the traditional art of theatre.

Do you have any questions about Dresden’s sights? Our concierge will be happy to advise you and assist you with the reservation of your tickets.