Construction of the Zwinger began in 1711 and was completed in 1728. With the construction of the Semper Gallery in 1855, the open three-winged complex was transformed into a closed four-winged complex. After its destruction in 1945, the Zwinger was rebuilt until 1963. Today it is one of the most famous sights in Dresden and an important example of Baroque architecture.

The Zwinger is located not far from the Elbe on the north-western edge of the Inner Old Town, in the immediate vicinity of other sights such as the Royal Palace and the Semper Opera House. Theaterplatz to the north-east, Sophienstraße to the south-east, Postplatz to the south, Ostra-Allee to the south-west and Am Zwingerteich street to the north-west surround the area of the Zwinger. Neighboring buildings are the Haus der Dresdner Kaufmannschaft, the Schauspielhaus, the Haus am Zwinger, the Taschenbergpalais, the west wing of the palace with the Green Vault, the Altstädtische Hauptwache, the Semperoper and the former stables.

In the Zwinger Xperience multimedia experience, which has been available since spring 2021, visitors can immerse themselves in the world of the Baroque using panoramic projections and virtual reality stations. From May to October, orange trees lend the Zwinger a special charm.