Photography as a Science — Workshop and Guided Tours of the IAP’s Historical Collections for the Dresden Science Night 2026

The Institute of Applied Physics at TU Dresden houses two exceptional collections on the history of scientific photography: the Hermann Krone Collection and the Scientific Photography Collection. Shaped by the life and work of the famous Dresden photographer Hermann Krone, they trace the rise of photography to become the central visual medium of science.

For this year’s Dresden Science Night, these two collections will showcase their diverse holdings. A workshop and themed tours will open the storage areas and collection rooms to anyone interested. Stop by and join us on a journey through time into the visual worlds of knowledge!

Workshop

Drawing with Light and Color: Cyanotype for Children and Adults

Time: 5 to 6 p.m
Meeting point: Hermann-Krone-Bau, Nöthnitzer Straße 61, 01187 Dresden, ground floor, Room 0.02
For children ages 10 and up and adults; max. 10 participants per workshop

© TU Dresden, Hermann Krone Collection

Cyanotype is one of the oldest photographic techniques in existence. Flat or transparent objects are placed in the sun on special paper until their shape appears as a light silhouette against a bright blue background. Even the famous Dresden photographer Hermann Krone used this method to capture his everyday life in the 19th century. Following in his footsteps, we’ll experiment together with this exciting technique and discover what effects we can create. To do this, we’ll first take a look at Hermann Krone’s original photographs and then search for suitable objects around the Hermann Krone Building. Whether you use plants, stencils, or your own motifs—there are no limits to your creativity. No prior experience is necessary—just a desire to experiment! Come by and create your own unique works of art in deep blue. Materials will be provided, but you’re welcome to bring your own objects.

For more information, visit the LNdW website

Guided Tours

Photography as Science. Hermann Krone and the Collections of the Institute of Applied Physics

Time: 6:15 p.m. & 10:15 p.m. / A peek into the storage area: 8:15 p.m.
Meeting point: Hermann-Krone-Bau, Nöthnitzer Straße 61, 01187 Dresden, ground floor, Room 0.02
Max. 10 people per tour

© TUD, Office for Academic Heritage

Hermann Krone (1827–1916) was one of the pioneers of photography in Germany. A resident of Dresden by choice, he opened up new horizons for the young medium and worked with a kaleidoscope of techniques and genres. He always had a particular interest in scientific photography, which he was the first to establish in Saxony. He passed on his knowledge to numerous students as a lecturer at Dresden University before handing the baton to the newly founded Scientific-Photographic Institute in 1907. As the Institute of Applied Physics, it still houses important parts of Krone’s work from the period before 1900 in the Hermann Krone Collection. The Scientific-Photographic Collection bridges the gap into the 20th century and recounts the Institute’s eventful history through fascinating objects spanning 100 years of research and teaching.

Starting at 6:15 p.m., visitors will follow in the footsteps of the famous photographer Hermann Krone into the storage areas and collection rooms. Collection Director Else Schlegel will present exciting and surprising objects, ranging from Krone’s original photographs to historical cameras and unique research equipment. Between the tours, visitors will get a glimpse into the collection storage area to see how historical objects are stored today to ensure their preservation for the future.

For more information, visit the LNdW website