Johanneum, Renaissance building at Neumarkt, Dresden, Germany
The Johanneum is a Renaissance structure on Augustusstrasse in Dresden with two stories and tall round-arch windows framed by decorative facade elements. The building encloses a courtyard with four spiral staircases at each corner that lead to the upper levels.
Built between 1586 and 1590 under Paul Buchner's direction as a royal stable complex with capacity for over a hundred horses, the structure later transformed into an art storage facility. The building changed purpose multiple times as court priorities shifted over the following centuries.
The building served as a repository for royal collections across centuries, reflecting how the Saxon court valued art and craftsmanship through its design. Visitors can observe how different eras housed their treasures here, from paintings to porcelain to weapons.
The site now houses a transport museum with various vehicles and transportation history objects spread across multiple exhibition areas within the building. Access is from Augustusstrasse and the courtyard provides reference points when exploring the interior.
The four corner staircases stand out for their spiral design, which during the Renaissance allowed noble guests to reach the upper floors discreetly without passing through main courtyard areas. This arrangement reflects careful spatial planning for the hierarchies of court society.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
