Sculptures in the Great Garden: Beauty theft defeated by restoration!

Sculptures in the Great Garden: Beauty theft defeated by restoration!

In the heart of Dresden, more precisely in the Great Garden, visitors can look forward to a special attraction: the legendary sculpture group “Time steals beauty” is now fully visible again. This work of art is not only a landmark of the garden, but also a figure who has an eventful history that extends to the present day. Loud Media service Saxony The completion of this impressive group of sculptures was realized as part of the “Sculpture program in the Great Garden”, which is carried out by the state-owned company Sächsisches Immobilien- und Baumanagement on behalf of the Free State of Saxony.

An important reason for the restoration is the critical condition of many works of art, which suffered greatly due to air pollution and inadequate care in the 20th century. In particular, the original of this marble sculpture, which has been standing under a wooden house for eleven years, shows significant damage, including cracks and breaks. Kai-Uwe Beger from Saxon Real Estate and Construction Management (SIB) emphasizes that the safety of the sculpture is guaranteed for the time being. The statue shows the Greek time god Chronos lifting up a beauty - a representation that symbolizes the fluid nature of time.

Restoration and open-air exhibition

An exciting aspect of the work is the monitor adjustments, which are carried out regularly to further monitor the condition of the sculptures. Protective wax was recently applied to the marble and ultrasound measurements were taken to detect possible damage at an early stage. The plant areas around the group of figures were also carefully restored, so that the overall appearance of the Great Garden is not only preserved, but also beautified.

Another innovative step is the opening of an open-air exhibition that presents the construction documentation of the sculpture program. Loud Sächsische.de The sculpture group was placed on the pedestal in the jewelry square in front of the palace at the end of May 2025. This not only enriches the visual experience in the Great Garden, but also promotes appreciation for the preservation of art and culture.

Future outlook

The Free State of Saxony is providing around 3.9 million euros for the ten-year project, which represents not only a financial but also a cultural investment in the city. Tax funds, based on the budget resolution of the Saxon state parliament, ensure the sustainable preservation of these art treasures. Further measures are already planned until 2026, including winter protection enclosures for the sculpture group and the magnificent vases.

Collaboration between different institutions and experts is an essential part of this large project. Seven restorers, thirteen sculptors and numerous craft businesses were involved in the implementation. In order to best manage the complexity of conservation, an individual conservation plan was created for each sculpture so that every step is precisely documented and evaluated.

Overall, this project shows that Dresden is not only rich in history and culture, but is also actively working to preserve its heritage. The comeback of the sculpture “Time steals beauty” is another example of how art and science go hand in hand to allow us to experience the beauty of the past in the present. You can also learn more about restoration approaches and techniques at the University of Fine Arts in Dresden, where innovative research and teaching on restoration takes place, as on HFBK Dresden is to be read.