Sweet art in Dresden: Experience the history of desserts to be amazed!

Sweet art in Dresden: Experience the history of desserts to be amazed!

A fascinating exhibition is currently being presented in Dresden that takes visitors into the seductive world of confectionery and desserts. Under the title “The Sweet Art – A Cultural History of Pastry and Desserts,” the exhibition explores the development from the Renaissance to the present. This comprehensive show will take place in the SLUB Dresden Book Museum and offers free entry until January 17, 2026. To ensure that no one with a sweet tooth misses out on this sweet treat, the organizers have come up with a lot of ideas to shed light on the different facets of the art of confectionery month after month. DNN reports.

If you look back at the beginnings of dessert preparation, you can see an eventful history. In the Middle Ages, when sugar was still considered a luxury good, confectionery was primarily a court pleasure. It was only in the 19th century, thanks to the mass production of sugar from sugar beets, that this sweet ingredient began to be widely used in everyday cooking. Not only cakes gained popularity, but also chocolates and other sweet treats. The exhibition conveys a profound knowledge of these connections, which is complemented by various objects, including old prints and historical menu cards. SLUB writes.

The art of dessert presentation

A particular focus in the exhibition is on the development of dessert presentation, which underwent a tranquil change in the 1980s with the introduction of dessert carts by Herbert Schönberner, the first German chef to receive three Michelin stars. Previously, desserts were mostly served in bowls, but this change set new trends in gastronomy. Today's trends in the dessert sector, which are characterized by a combination of exotic ingredients and modern forms of presentation, also have their place in the exhibition. It becomes clear that dessert culture is strongly influenced by the globalization of taste. DNN highlights.

Another theme the exhibition addresses is revitalizing classic coffeehouse culture for younger generations. This outdated tradition needs a breath of fresh air, because more and more young people are attaching importance to healthy eating and reduced calorie intake, which is putting a new stamp on the challenges of modern patisserie. The two traditional Dresden desserts in particular - the famous Baumkuchen and the legendary Dresdner Stollen - are indispensable parts of not only Saxony, but also German dessert culture.

An insight into the history of the art of confectionery

The history of confectionery is rich in anecdotes and twists. At least since the festive banquet for the wedding of Elector Max III. Josef with Maria Anna Sophie in Munich and Dresden in 1747, we know of the splendor that was displayed on such occasions. At these feasts, sugar was used not only in pastries but also to decorate magnificent tables. As the exhibition makes clear, the art surrounding sugar and desserts has changed again and again over the centuries and remains an exciting chapter in culinary history to this day. Confectionery Museum performs.

In summary, “The Sweet Art” is not only a feast for the palate, but also an exciting story about culture and society that we should not miss. Anyone who loves sweets will find a special kind of feast here!