Meissen Porcelain Manufactory - Visit, Prices & History
A porcelain painter dips her brush into the paint, while a few rooms away, a figure takes shape under skilled hands. At the Meissen Porcelain Manufactory, visitors can discover just how much work goes into a single piece of Meissen porcelain. The MEISSEN Experience combines this glimpse into the craft with a museum that chronicles more than three centuries of porcelain history.
Highlights of the Porcelain Manufactory
Crafts in the Demonstration Workshop
During the tour, you'll see how porcelain is shaped, assembled, and painted. The workstations make it clear why even small details require a great deal of experience.
History of Porcelain
at the Museum
The Meissen Porcelain Foundation Museum displays approximately 2,000 objects from a historical collection of about 33,000 pieces of porcelain. On display are works ranging from the manufactory’s early days to the present.
Insights into
production
If you'd like to see more than just the demonstration workshop, you can book a ManufakTOUR. It's a guided tour of selected production areas and is a separate offering.
Meissen Porcelain: A History Dating Back to 1710
In 1708, the first European hard-paste porcelain was successfully produced at the Saxon court. Two years later, Augustus the Strong founded the porcelain manufactory; production began at the Albrechtsburg Castle in Meissen. Since 1722, the crossed swords have been the hallmark of Meissen porcelain. In the 19th century, production moved from the castle to the Triebisch Valley, where the manufactory is still located today. More about the history of MEISSEN
This history lives on not only in the exhibits. Shapes, decorative patterns, and traditional craftsmanship techniques are also part of the manufactory’s work today. During your visit, you’ll see both: the finished porcelain pieces and the people who make them.
What is there to experience at the Meissen Porcelain Manufactory?
The Demonstration Workshop
In the demonstration workshop, the process from model to painted porcelain is brought to life. At the potters’ workstations, basic forms for plates, cups, and vases are created. Modeler artisans assemble the individual parts of a figurine and refine its details. Next, underglaze and overglaze painting demonstrate the various ways colors and designs are applied to the porcelain. The workstations in the demonstration workshop
The regular tour is available with commentary in 14 languages. Like the self-guided museum visit, it is included in the admission price to the interactive exhibition. Visitors who prefer to ask questions directly to a tour guide can opt for a public guided tour of the demonstration workshop instead. Tours and Guided Tours
The ManufakTOUR
The ManufakTOUR is different from the regular tour of the demonstration workshop: it takes visitors into the actual production environment. According to MEISSEN, the tour includes a look at the porcelain clay, the manufacturing process, model and mold making, the historical mold archive, the painting process, and the kiln hall.
The guided tour lasts two hours and is limited to ten people. The tour operator recommends sturdy shoes and notes that the tour is not suitable for children under six years of age, people with physical disabilities, or wheelchair users. Please check the terms and conditions and available dates before booking. Details and tickets for the ManufakTOUR
The Meissen Porcelain Foundation Museum
After exploring the demonstration workshop, you’ll encounter exhibits from various eras in the museum. Figurines, tableware, and ornate decorations illustrate how tastes and designs have evolved over the centuries. Be sure to take your time with the approximately 2,000 objects on display —it’s often the small details that are worth a second look. More about the Porcelain Museum
The MEISSEN Experience also includes MEISSEN stores, an outlet, and the MEISSEN Café. Creative workshops and events take place on select dates; the current program is published by the MEISSEN Experience World.
The stallion Claudius in the courtyard of the Moritzburg State Stud
Opening hours and prices
- Adults: 15 euros at the ticket shop, 16 euros at the box office
- Children ages 6 to 18: 12 euros according tothe price list; Family ticket: 30 euros for two adults and up to three children ages 17 and under
- Small Family Ticket: 16 euros for one adult and one child up to age 17
- Reduced rate: 12 euros with appropriate proof
Prices and ticket terms are subject to change; please refer to the official pricing page and the specific booking offer for details.
Arrival and surroundings
The attraction is located at Talstraße 9, 01662 Meissen. From Dresden, you can reach Meissen via the S1 S-Bahn line. According to the operator, it’s about a ten-minute walk from both the Meissen-Altstadt and Meissen-Triebischtal stations. City bus C stops at the “Porzellanmanufaktur” stop; bus line M connects Moritzburg with Meissen and Radebeul. Please check the schedules for the day of your visit. Official travel information
If you're coming by car, you'll find a paid public parking lot at Talstraße 10, about 200 meters from the main entrance. After your visit, take a stroll through Meissen's Old Town or up to Albrechtsburg Castle.
Stay overnight in
our house
Welcome to the Churfuerstliche Waldschaenke - a historical jewel in the middle of the Moritzburg cultural landscape!
Here you can stay in a unique ambience, surrounded by nature and history. Situated between the castle and the Fasanenschlösschen, our hotel invites you to leave everyday life behind and enjoy pure relaxation.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Meissen Porcelain Manufactory
For adults, a regular admission ticket currently costs 15 euros online or 16 euros at the door. Family and discounted tickets are also available. Please check the current age limits and conditions.
Staatliche Porzellan-Manufaktur Meissen GmbH is owned by the Free State of Saxony, which is its sole shareholder. The museum is supported by the Meissen Porcelain Foundation. History of the Manufactory · About the Foundation
It was founded in 1710 and looks back on more than 300 years of history. Porcelain production first began at Albrechtsburg Castle; today, the manufactory operates in the Triebisch Valley in Meissen. A Historical Overview of MEISSEN
