40 years ago, at Christmas 1985, the television multi-part "Saxony's Splendour and Prussia's Glory" was broadcast for the first time. It was the most elaborate film production in the GDR. Less well known is the Polish film production "Countess Cosel" (1960) by Jerzy Antczak. This in turn was the most cost-effective production of Polish cinematography to date.
»We embark on a journey through 300 years of history as well as the history of literature and film. The exhibition provides insights into the creation of the books and films and shows the different perspectives they take on. Visitors will discover how each era tells history anew - and how our view of the past is constantly changing.«
Exhibition dates
Saxony's splendour and Prussia's glory
The film, the story and Kraszewski's novels
- With Lutz Reike, Museums of the City of Dresden
- Museum admission plus € 3 guide fee
Exhibition offers
‘The Splendour of Saxony and the Glory of Prussia’ – the film, the story and Kraszewski’s novels
Bookable until 23 October 2026
More than 300 years ago, Elector Frederick Augustus I, known as ‘August the Strong’, had himself crowned King of Poland. He, and subsequently his son, ruled the country until 1763. This later inspired the Polish writer Józef Ignacy Kraszewski, who lived in Dresden, to focus on this period in several of his novels. His accounts, in turn, formed the basis for the GDR’s largest film production in 1885: ‘Saxony’s Splendour and Prussia’s Glory’. Join us for a talk and guided tour of the Kraszewski Museum’s special exhibition, tracing the Augustan era, Kraszewski’s literary account and the making of the film.