1708

Discovery of European porcelain

Discover the MEISSEN® porcelain manufactory with its unique craftsmanship and the crossed blue swords. The first European porcelain has been produced here in Meissen since 1710, thanks to Augustus ‘the Strong’ - the Elector of Saxony was an avid collector of porcelain. This costly habit saw the state finances near bankruptcy, since porcelain had to be imported from Asia. The secret of its production had not yet been found in Europe.

When young alchemist Johann Friedrich Böttger boasted that he knew how to make gold, Augustus was quick to secure his services for Saxony by arresting Böttger. Assisted by scientist Tschirnhaus, it took two years, a failed attempt at escape, and the realization that gold could not, in fact, be created, to discover instead the secret of the Asian ‘white gold’. Experimenting with different local types of clay and ever higher kiln temperatures, Tschirnhaus and Böttger first made their breakthrough in 1707 with a dark red stoneware, then in 1708 with the successful production of the first true porcelain ever to be made in Europe.

By 1710, the production was advanced enough to open a factory, first housed in the then disused Albrechtsburg palace, until the 1860s when the MEISSEN® porcelain manufactory was moved to the modern production facilities you can still visit today.

MEISSEN®
  • Explore the museum, admire MEISSEN® porcelain from three centuries and learn about its history.
  • Find your own personal favorite at the MEISSEN® shop and take the perfect souvenir home with you.
  • Visit the show workshops and watch how the 'white gold' is made and painted - by hand and in intricate steps.
  • There is a bistro on the premises where you can get lunch or just a snack. Served on original MEISSEN® dishes, of course.

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Meissen old town

This town is over 1000 years old and invites you to time travel through its crooked alleys and up the steep ascents to the castle hill.

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Albrechtsburg castle

Visit Germany’s oldest palace and admire the breathtaking architecture at the transition from the late middle ages into renaissance.

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wine country Saxony

Wine lovers will feel right at home around Meissen - Germany’s second smallest wine growing region extends up and down the Elbe river.

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Dresden

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Moritzburg hunting lodge

The baroque castle is surrounded by an extensive woodland reserve complete with animals - a favorite destination for families.

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Elbe Sandstone Mountains

Called Saxon Switzerland for good reason, the breathtakingly bizarre rock formations in this special part of the Elbe valley are a delight for hikers and climbers.

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Pillnitz palace & park

Best known for its spectacular gardens and water displays, as well as a huge Camellia tree - over 250 years old!

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Elbe bike path

If you are travelling by bike, Meissen is a stop you cannot miss. Sections M and N meet here and run through town along either side of the river.

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