Luxury watchmaker A. Lange & Söhne extends warm congratulations to the Dresden State Art Collections on the momentous occasion of the 300th anniversary of the renowned Green Vault. This globally acclaimed treasury museum houses a captivating historical collection of unique artifacts, exerting a profound influence on the Saxon art of watchmaking.
The year 2023 heralds a special milestone as the Green Vault commemorates its three centuries of existence. The celebration unfolds through a series of activities spanning six years, mirroring the time it took to establish the collection initially curated by the visionary Elector of Saxony, Augustus the Strong, in 1723. Notably, this period has witnessed the gradual opening of the “Secret Custody,” the tightly sealed electoral vault in the west wing of Dresden’s Royal Palace, to the public. By September 1729, a cutting-edge treasury museum had emerged, marking the first of its kind in Europe. Fast forward to 2006, following extensive restoration efforts, the unique collection of the Wettin princes and kings was fully accessible to the public once again, coinciding with the establishment of the partnership between A. Lange & Söhne and the Dresden State Art Collections.
Within the grandeur of princes, the Baroque masterpiece that is the Green Vault showcases over 4,000 jewelry and goldsmithing works of art spanning from the Renaissance to the Classicism period. These precious objects, meticulously curated by passionate art enthusiasts, grace the original Baroque setting, adorning elaborately decorated and mirrored display walls or standing individually on centrepieces. The various rooms are organized and named based on the materials of the treasures, creating a captivating journey through the Amber Cabinet, Ivory Room, White Silver Room, and the Silver Gilt Room. The Hall of Precious Objects and the Jewellery Room, featuring unique 18th-century jewelry sets belonging to Augustus the Strong and his son, stand as the exhibition’s highlights.
Noteworthy inclusions are the 40 spring-loaded objects and timepieces housed in the Green Vault, complementing the extensive collection at the Royal Cabinet of Mathematical and Physical Instruments in Zwinger Palace. Among these, the “Tower of Babel” clock by imperial clockmaker Hans Schlottheim stands out, a mesmerizing piece of mechanics and art dating back to the early 17th century.
Prof. Dr. Marion Ackermann, General Director of the Dresden State Art Collections, underscores the unparalleled cultural and art-historical significance of the Green Vault, describing it as an outstanding world-class museum. Wilhelm Schmid, CEO of A. Lange & Söhne, acknowledges the profound connection between the art of watchmaking and the cultural identity of Dresden and Saxony. Expressing delight and honor in participating in the anniversary celebration, Schmid emphasizes the brand’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage through its watchmaking expertise and partnership with the Dresden State Art Collections. As the Green Vault marks its 300th year, A. Lange & Söhne extends heartfelt congratulations, pledging dedication to the enduring legacy of preserving precious objects for the future.
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