Museum of Saxon Folk Art, Dresden

The Museum of Saxon Folk Art forms part of the Jagerhof, the oldest surviving building in Dresden. The museum was the first to showcase local arts and crafts in Germany and opened its doors to the public in 1913.

The Museum of Folk art is located in the Jagerhof, a former hunting lodge of the Electors of Saxony. The three floor building, constructed in 1568, is unique because the architectural style is reminiscent of structures in Dresden before the influence of Baroque design. The 1615 console on the South Gable still bears the coat of arms of the Electors of Saxony. The upper floors were completely destroyed in the 1945 World War II air raids. The structure was the first in Dresden to be restored between 1950 and 1952.

The exhibits at the museum focus on the culture and way of life of the Saxon people from the 16th century till today. It plays a significant role in preserving regional handicrafts including costumes, household furniture, tools, dishes, implements, ceramics and painted Easter eggs among other everyday objects. There is a special section with Christmas decorations from the Erzgebirge (Ore Mountain) region including pyramids, nutcrackers and animated models.

In 2005, the top floor of the museum became the repository of the largest puppet theater collection in the world with 50,000 exhibits ranging from 200 year old marionettes and hand puppets used in local puppet shows, Bauhaus theater puppets to modern figurative puppets.