The Dresden Panometer turns a former 19th-century gasometer into an immersive exhibition space for monumental 360-degree panoramas by artist Yadegar Asisi. Inside the vast cylindrical building, visitors stand at the centre of a scene that rises more than 30 metres around them, with changing light and sound adding to the sense of being there.
Among the museum’s best-known works is Dresden 1945, a panorama confronting the destruction caused by the February bombing raids. Its portrayal of the ruined city offers a perspective on Dresden’s wartime history that differs sharply from the restored landmarks of the Old Town. The exhibition includes contextual material, but the panorama itself is the centrepiece: details emerge gradually as you look across it from different heights.
Panoramas rotate, so check the current programme before visiting. Allow around 60 to 90 minutes to explore the exhibition and watch the lighting cycle change the scene; climb the viewing platform for a wider perspective. The Panometer is southeast of the city centre and can be reached by public transport, making it a useful addition to a Dresden itinerary beyond the Altstadt.