Photography as Science. A Journey Through the Collections of the Institute of Applied Physics (Guided Tours during the Long Night of the Sciences 2025)

Hermann Krone (1827-1916) is widely recognized as a pioneer of photography in Germany. Having settled in Dresden in the mid-19^th century, he opened up new horizons for the young medium and worked with a kaleidoscope of techniques and genres. He was always particularly interested in scientific photography, being the first to establish it in Dresden. As a lecturer at the Dresden University, he passed on his knowledge to numerous students before handing over the baton to the newly founded Scientific Photographic Institute in 1907. Known today as the Institute for Applied Physics, it still guards the Hermann Krone Collection, which includes crucial parts of Krone's oeuvre, created before 1900. The Scientific Photographic Collection carries the story into the 20^th century by narrating the eventful history of the institute through fascinating objects from 100 years of research and teaching.

For the Long Night of the Sciences, these special collections open their doors to all interested visitors. Guided tours will take you on a journey through the visual worlds of science: from Krone's original photographs to historical photographic equipment and unique research devices, they will trace how photography became the central medium of imagery in science. In-between the guided tours, visits to the collections’ storage rooms show how historical objects are stored today in order to keep them safe for the future.

Tours: 18:15, 20:15, 22:15 / Visit to the collectio storage: 19:15, 21:15
For: Children (12 years and older) and adults
Meeting Point: Hermann-Krone-Bau, Nöthnitzer Straße 61, 01187 Dresden, ground floor,  room 0.02
Group Size: max 10 participants per tour