Dresden's mayor intends to raise the entry fees for city museums

Dresden, Germany - The cultural landscape in Saxony is facing uncertainties due to budget cuts, a pending budget, and the absence of a government. Amidst these challenges, the city council is set to make a crucial decision regarding price increases for admission tickets to Dresden's municipal museums at the end of this year.

The decision comes as a result of general price increases and budget cuts, as outlined in the draft for the 2025/2026 double budget, which is currently being debated in the Saxon State Parliament. The Saxon State Art Collections (SKD) and the Culture Mayor of Dresden, Annekatrin Klepsch, are responsible for this plan.

From January 2026, entrance fees for Dresden's municipal museums, including the Albertinum, the Green Vault, and the Robotron-Kantine, will significantly increase, generating an estimated 650,000 euros in entrance fees per year. Visitors now pay two euros more for the Zwinger, Residenzschloss, Green Vault, and Albertinum at the SKD.

However, there are exceptions to the price increase. Entrance for children under seven years old and Dresden Pass holders will remain free of charge at Dresden's municipal museums. In addition, the free Friday will be moved to Sunday afternoons from 3 pm at Dresden's municipal museums.

The Dresden city council is expected to make the decision regarding the price increase for admission tickets to municipal museums in the autumn of 2025. The news was first reported on the website CULTURE - The Radio on September 9, 2025, at 15:58, and more details were provided on Culturedesk. The audio for this news is available on MIDDLE GERMAN BROADCAST.

The opposition has expressed sharp criticism during the debate in the Saxon State Parliament regarding the cultural budget. They argue that the budget cuts could have a significant impact on the cultural landscape in Saxony. Despite these concerns, the city council is moving forward with the plan, citing the need to "cope with economic developments" as the reason for the price increases.

The SKD day tickets have also increased by two euros since 1 January 2025. Visits to the Technical Collections, the Robotron-Kantine, or the Schiller House will cost more from 2026. The city council will make the final decision on the price increases at the end of the year.