The Kunsthofpassage is a connected series of five artistically designed courtyards at Görlitzer Straße 23 in Dresden's Äußere Neustadt district, in Saxony, Germany. Created in the late 1990s from the inner yards of a block of tenement buildings, the passage is one of the best-known alternative attractions in the city. Each courtyard has its own theme. The Hof der Elemente is the most famous, with drainpipes that make musical sounds when it rains, turning the walls into a sculpture and giving the courtyard its nickname, the Courtyard of the Elements. The Hof der Tiere is decorated with animal motifs, the Hof des Lichts has mirrored walls and glass that reflect sunlight into the buildings, the Hof der Fabelwesen shows fantastical creatures on a mosaic wall, and the Hof der Fabelwesen and Hof der Tiere are completed by the Garden of the Kunsthof. The yards are lined with small shops, galleries, workshops, cafes and apartments, giving visitors a chance to browse local design, ceramics, jewellery and art. The passage is free to enter and the courtyards are open to the public all day, though individual businesses keep their own hours, mostly from 10:00 to 19:00. A visit usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. The best time is in dry weather for exploring the yards, although the drainpipes of the Hof der Elemente work best in rain. Crowds are heaviest on weekend afternoons and in summer, and weekday mornings are quiet. The Äußere Neustadt is Dresden's lively bar and restaurant quarter, so the passage fits well into a walk along Görlitzer Straße and the neighbouring streets, with a stop at the Pfunds Molkerei nearby. Photography is welcome, but residents live in the buildings, so visitors should remain quiet.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Courtyards open to the public all day; shops and cafes keep their own hours, mostly 10:00-19:00 |
| Typical visit | 30-45 minutes |
| Best time | Dry weather; the Hof der Elemente drainpipes sound best in rain |
| Getting there | Tram stop Alaunplatz or Louisenstraße, 5-minute walk; Neustadt station 15 minutes on foot |
| Address | Görlitzer Straße 23, 01099 Dresden, Germany |
Location
Görlitzer Straße 23, 01099 Dresden, Germany
51.0653, 13.7515 View on map
Highlights
- Hear the musical drainpipes in the Hof der Elemente
- Find the mirrored walls of the Hof des Lichts
- Browse small design shops, galleries and workshops
- Look for the animal and mythical creature motifs in the other courtyards
Tips for visiting
- Visit on a weekday morning for fewer crowds
- Come in rain to hear the drainpipes at their best
- Shops and cafes keep their own hours, mostly 10:00 to 19:00
- Be quiet in the yards, as people live in the buildings
- Combine with Pfunds Molkerei and the Neustadt bars and cafes
When to visit
Dry weather for exploring, with rain bringing the drainpipes to life. Weekday mornings are quietest.
Accessibility
The courtyards are mostly at street level and connected by paved paths, though cobbles and a few steps occur. Wheelchair access varies by shop.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to the Kunsthofpassage take?
About 30 to 45 minutes to see all the courtyards. Visitors who browse the shops or have a coffee will need longer.
Is there an entry fee?
No, the courtyards are free to enter and open during the day. Individual shops and cafes charge for their own goods.
Is photography allowed?
Yes, photography is generally welcome in the courtyards. Visitors should respect residents' privacy and avoid photographing inside shops without permission.