Four round towers, an island in the castle pond and a staircase with a replica slipper: in Moritzburg, Saxon court history overlaps with memories of the cinema. For many, their first encounter with the castle comes through ‘Three Wishes for Cinderella’. Yet its history stretches back to a Renaissance hunting lodge.
Staatliche Schlösser, Burgen und Gärten Sachsen gGmbH has announced that its winter exhibition devoted to the film will return here from 20 November 2026 to 28 February 2027. This will be its 15th edition. The occasion combines a visit to the filming location with a question that goes beyond recognising familiar scenes: what belonged to the world of the film, and what to life at the Saxon court?
What winter promises
Original costumes, recreated film scenes and multimedia displays have been announced for the forthcoming exhibition. New costumes for adults and children to try on, along with dance classes and baking workshops, are set to complement the anniversary season. The announced programme thus focuses on bringing visitors close to characters and images that many know from television.
The film was made in 1973 as a co-production between the DEFA-Studio für Spielfilme and Prague’s Barrandov Studios, directed by Václav Vorlíček. It is based on a story by Božena Němcová. Moritzburg was one of its filming locations, but the plot tells us nothing about the castle’s former residents. The slipper on the staircase is also a later replica.
A hunting party, not a fairy-tale court
Duke Maurice of Saxony commissioned a hunting residence here in 1542. Under Augustus the Strong, its Baroque transformation began in 1723, overseen by Matthäus Daniel Pöppelmann. The castle served as a venue for hunting and court festivities. Its setting in the pond and its four towers give the complex the distinctive appearance that would later prove so effective on camera.
The historic interiors tell a story of status, display and hunting: they include gilded leather wall coverings, an antler collection and the Feather Room. For those interested in cultural history, however, a winter visit has a clear limitation. During the Cinderella exhibition, the Baroque exhibition and the Feather Room are inaccessible. Anyone wishing to see these interiors will need to choose another time to visit.
From Dresden without a car
During a stay in Dresden, Moritzburg can be planned as a day trip in its own right. From Dresden-Neustadt station, bus 477 towards Radeburg runs to the ‘Moritzburg Schloss’ stop. From there, the castle is within walking distance. This connection is the obvious choice, particularly on the exhibition’s opening day.
The alternative is to take the S1 to Radebeul Ost and continue on the historic Lößnitzgrundbahn to Moritzburg station. However, the operator has announced a line closure from 2 to 20 November 2026 inclusive: this rail option will therefore not be available on the exhibition’s first day. For later dates, check the timetable and return journey in advance; the railway terminates at the village station, not at the castle.
Dresden can provide the historical counterpart: the Royal State Apartments in the Royal Palace reveal how Augustus the Strong presented his power. A separate museum day there complements Moritzburg’s film history with an insight into court ceremonial.
Planning your visit
According to information from the organiser dated 11 November 2026, the winter exhibition’s regular opening hours are 9.30am to 5.30pm, with last admission at 4.15pm. Longer hours apply on Advent weekends. It will be closed on 24 and 31 December and on selected days in January and February; check opening hours for your chosen day with the organiser in advance.
Standard admission costs 12 euros. Tickets are sold exclusively online for a timed entry slot; there are no plans for an on-site ticket office. The castle recommends allowing around an hour for the exhibition. Add time for the journey and a look at the grounds, whose history began long before Cinderella’s ball.
Original reviewed by the editors · 11 November 2026
