Dresden Newsletter - February 2026

February in Dresden often brings a quiet, contemplative atmosphere to the Elbe Valley. The bustling energy of the Christmas markets has long settled, and the city reveals a more authentic side of its daily life. While the weather calls for warm layers, this is often an ideal time to explore the city's rich interior spaces—from concert halls to world-class museums—without the high-season crowds. It is a month defined by reflection, classical music, and local traditions.

The most significant date on the local calendar is February 13th, marking the 81st anniversary of the destruction of Dresden during World War II. The city commemorates the victims and reflects on the value of peace with a series of respectful events. You will likely see citizens joining hands to form a "human chain" around the city center, a symbolic gesture protecting democracy and rejecting violence. The Frauenkirche serves as a central point for this remembrance, hosting peace prayers and a 'Night of Voices'. It is a sombre but deeply meaningful time to witness how Dresden processes its complex history.

For art enthusiasts, the Albertinum presents a major highlight this month: the special exhibition Paula Modersohn-Becker and Edvard Munch. The Great Questions of Life. This is the first time these two exceptional 20th-century painters have been shown together in this scope. The exhibition explores how both artists navigated existential themes, offering a fascinating dialogue between their works. It acts as a perfect cultural retreat from the grey winter skies, allowing you to engage with the profound questions of modern art.

If you are looking for plans around Valentine's Day, the city’s musical heritage offers a refined option. The Wall Pavilion of the Dresden Zwinger is hosting a series of classical concerts, featuring works like Vivaldi's 'The Four Seasons' and Mozart's 'Eine kleine Nachtmusik'. For those who prefer fresh air or are travelling with family, the Dresden Winter Festival is back on the Altmarkt with ice skating and curling lanes. Additionally, the puppet theatre presentation of Peter and the Wolf offers a charming cultural experience suitable for children and adults alike.

Whether you are examining the definition of heroism at the Hercules exhibition or simply warming up with a hot drink after a skate on the Altmarkt, February offers a calm space to discover the city. If you would like to understand the layers of history visible in the streets, join us for a walking tour to get oriented in the historic center.

Date	Event	Category
February 4-28	Dresden Winter Festival For the 3rd time, the Winter Festival takes place on the Altmarkt, featuring ice skating, a giant slide, curling lanes, carousels, and culinary diversity.	🎪 Festival	More details →
February 4-28	Kulturpalast Dresden Event Calendar Overview of cultural events, concerts, and exhibitions at the Kulturpalast Dresden, including the Dresden Philharmonic, the 'Some Were Neighbors' exhibition, and the 'Die Herkuleskeule' cabaret.	🎪 Festival	More details →
February 7-11	Peter and the Wolf A puppet play featuring the original music by Sergei Prokofiev, suitable for the whole family and children aged 4 and up.	🎪 Festival	More details →
February 6-6	Special Exhibition: Hercules. Hero and Anti-hero The exhibition showcases sculptures, paintings, graphics, and handicrafts that illustrate the fascination with the legendary figure of Hercules from antiquity to modern times. It explores the definition of heroism through works by major masters and sets them in relation to the present day.	🖼️ Exhibition	More details →
February 8 - May 31	Paula Modersohn-Becker and Edvard Munch. The Great Questions of Life The Albertinum presents the first major joint exhibition of works by Paula Modersohn-Becker and Edvard Munch. The collection explores how these two exceptional 20th-century painters addressed the existential questions of their time.	🖼️ Exhibition	More details →
February 13-15	Commemoration of the Bombing of Dresden Dresden commemorates the victims of the World War II bombings and the destruction of the city 81 years ago with a human chain, peace prayers, and a 'Night of Voices' at the Frauenkirche.	📅 Other	More details →