Show diversity,
experience education
TSD Animationsfilm

Frame by framephase by phase. Animated film from Germany

Exhibition and cinema programme of the German Institute for Animated Film
Opening hours
Tue – Fri: 9.00 am – 5.00 pm
Sat / Sun / public holidays: 10.00 am – 6.00 pm

From 2 November 2026, the museum will close for energy-efficiency refurbishment. During the building works, the interactive Science Centre activities will move to a temporary location in the city centre. The reopening is scheduled for summer 2027.
Admission
€8 per person | €6 (concession)
Free admission on Fridays from 12:00

Free admission with the Dresden Pass and for children under 7, plus further concessions

Animation seems to be omnipresent these days. All the more so because modern computers provide customised images for every purpose and every occasion - in advertising, in entertainment, for children. The DIAF permanent exhibition takes us back to a time when it was still hands that moved puppets, shifted silhouettes and placed countless drawing foils on the animation table. Using selected exhibits, it demonstrates how animated films were created using the classic techniques of puppet animation, lay animation, silhouette animation and cartoon animation.

Most of the objects on display originate from the DEFA Studio for Animated Films in Dresden, whose artistic legacy the DIAF preserves and shares. In the exhibition, visitors encounter many familiar figures – such as The Christmas Goose Auguste, Heinrich the Stag, or the little devil from Alarm in the Puppet Theatre. Among the archival treasures on show are also items from other German studios – including original characters from both East and West German versions of The Sandman.

The compact display is further enriched by equipment that once ensured high-quality image and sound in animated films.

In regular special exhibitions held at the same venue, the DIAF also presents perspectives on both historical and contemporary national and international animation.

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Most of the objects come from the DEFA studio for animated films in Dresden, whose artistic heritage the DIAF preserves and passes on. Visitors to the exhibition will encounter "old acquaintances" such as "Auguste the Christmas Goose", "Stag Henry" or the little devil that once caused an "alarm in the Punch and Judy show". The DIAF archive treasures on display also include objects from other German studios - such as original figures from the Sandman programmes from East and West. The small exhibition is complemented by a presentation of equipment that ensured good images and good sound in animated films.

AI generated: The image shows an exhibition with an animated scene being viewed on a light table, surrounded by screens displaying similar artworks. The room is dark to emphasise the lighting of the animation.

In regular special exhibitions, the DIAF presents positions of historical as well as contemporary national and international animated film at the same location.

Exhibition dates

Sat / 10. Oct
15:00
AI-generated: The image shows two imaginative, colourful fabric dolls with whimsical accessories such as hats and spears against a blue background. The dolls are of different shapes and sizes and are adorned with creative decorations.
Short film programme ‘Courage from the Bag of Tricks’

KINOLINO – 33rd Film Festival for Young Audiences at the Museum Cinema

Courage doesn’t mean not being afraid, but daring to do something despite that queasy feeling. That’s what sets the main characters of these DEFA animated films from Dresden apart: they try new things, say ‘no’ or face up to a difficult situation. Curiosity, humour and skill, as well as their empathy for other living creatures, help them to do so.

Film selection:

*The Fairy-Tale Cloak*, Horst J. Tappert, GDR 1981, puppet animation

The Scaredy-Cat, Lothar Barke, GDR 1964, hand-drawn animation

The Little Elephant’s Great Journey, Heinz Nagel, GDR 1969, flat-figure animation

*Jungle Fairy Tale*, Katja Georgi, GDR 1978, puppet animation

  • In cooperation with the German Institute for Animated Film (DIAF)
  • Recommended for ages 6 and over
  • Total running time: 54 mins
  • Admission: 1 euro plus museum entry fee
  • Book online or via the visitor services department of the Museums of the City of Dresden on +49 351 488 7272 (Mon–Fri)
Sun / 11. Oct
11:00
AI-generated: The image shows two imaginative, colourful fabric dolls with whimsical accessories such as hats and spears against a blue background. The dolls are of different shapes and sizes and are adorned with creative decorations.
Short film programme ‘Courage from the Bag of Tricks’

KINOLINO – 33rd Film Festival for Young Audiences at the Museum Cinema

Courage doesn’t mean not being afraid, but daring to do something despite that queasy feeling. That’s what sets the main characters of these DEFA animated films from Dresden apart: they try new things, say ‘no’ or face up to a difficult situation. Curiosity, humour and skill, as well as their empathy for other living creatures, help them to do so.

Film selection:

*The Fairy-Tale Cloak*, Horst J. Tappert, GDR 1981, puppet animation

The Scaredy-Cat, Lothar Barke, GDR 1964, hand-drawn animation

The Little Elephant’s Great Journey, Heinz Nagel, GDR 1969, flat-figure animation

*Jungle Fairy Tale*, Katja Georgi, GDR 1978, puppet animation

  • In cooperation with the German Institute for Animated Film (DIAF)
  • Recommended for ages 6 and over
  • Total running time: 54 mins
  • Admission: 1 euro plus museum entry fee
  • Book online or via the visitor services department of the Museums of the City of Dresden on +49 351 488 7272 (Mon–Fri)
Sun / 11. Oct
15:00
AI-generated: The image shows two imaginative, colourful fabric dolls with whimsical accessories such as hats and spears against a blue background. The dolls are of different shapes and sizes and are adorned with creative decorations.
Short film programme ‘Courage from the Bag of Tricks’

KINOLINO – 33rd Film Festival for Young Audiences at the Museum Cinema

Courage doesn’t mean not being afraid, but daring to do something despite that queasy feeling. That’s what sets the main characters of these DEFA animated films from Dresden apart: they try new things, say ‘no’ or face up to a difficult situation. Curiosity, humour and skill, as well as their empathy for other living creatures, help them to do so.

Film selection:

*The Fairy-Tale Cloak*, Horst J. Tappert, GDR 1981, puppet animation

The Scaredy-Cat, Lothar Barke, GDR 1964, hand-drawn animation

The Little Elephant’s Great Journey, Heinz Nagel, GDR 1969, flat-figure animation

*Jungle Fairy Tale*, Katja Georgi, GDR 1978, puppet animation

  • In cooperation with the German Institute for Animated Film (DIAF)
  • Recommended for ages 6 and over
  • Total running time: 54 mins
  • Admission: 1 euro plus museum entry fee
  • Book online or via the visitor services department of the Museums of the City of Dresden on +49 351 488 7272 (Mon–Fri)
Wed / 14. Oct
15:00
AI-generated: The image shows two imaginative, colourful fabric dolls with whimsical accessories such as hats and spears against a blue background. The dolls are of different shapes and sizes and are adorned with creative decorations.
Short film programme ‘Courage from the Bag of Tricks’

KINOLINO – 33rd Film Festival for Young Audiences at the Museum Cinema

Courage doesn’t mean not being afraid, but daring to do something despite that queasy feeling. That’s what sets the main characters of these DEFA animated films from Dresden apart: they try new things, say ‘no’ or face up to a difficult situation. Curiosity, humour and skill, as well as their empathy for other living creatures, help them to do so.

Film selection:

*The Fairy-Tale Cloak*, Horst J. Tappert, GDR 1981, puppet animation

The Scaredy-Cat, Lothar Barke, GDR 1964, hand-drawn animation

The Little Elephant’s Great Journey, Heinz Nagel, GDR 1969, flat-figure animation

*Jungle Fairy Tale*, Katja Georgi, GDR 1978, puppet animation

  • In cooperation with the German Institute for Animated Film (DIAF)
  • Recommended for ages 6 and over
  • Total running time: 54 mins
  • Admission: 1 euro plus museum entry fee
  • Book online or via the visitor services department of the Museums of the City of Dresden on +49 351 488 7272 (Mon–Fri)
Thu / 15. Oct
15:00
AI-generated: The image shows two imaginative, colourful fabric dolls with whimsical accessories such as hats and spears against a blue background. The dolls are of different shapes and sizes and are adorned with creative decorations.
Short film programme ‘Courage from the Bag of Tricks’

KINOLINO – 33rd Film Festival for Young Audiences at the Museum Cinema

Courage doesn’t mean not being afraid, but daring to do something despite that queasy feeling. That’s what sets the main characters of these DEFA animated films from Dresden apart: they try new things, say ‘no’ or face up to a difficult situation. Curiosity, humour and skill, as well as their empathy for other living creatures, help them to do so.

Film selection:

*The Fairy-Tale Cloak*, Horst J. Tappert, GDR 1981, puppet animation

The Scaredy-Cat, Lothar Barke, GDR 1964, hand-drawn animation

The Little Elephant’s Great Journey, Heinz Nagel, GDR 1969, flat-figure animation

*Jungle Fairy Tale*, Katja Georgi, GDR 1978, puppet animation

  • In cooperation with the German Institute for Animated Film (DIAF)
  • Recommended for ages 6 and over
  • Total running time: 54 mins
  • Admission: 1 euro plus museum entry fee
  • Book online or via the visitor services department of the Museums of the City of Dresden on +49 351 488 7272 (Mon–Fri)
Fri / 16. Oct
14:00
With registration
Generated by AI: The image shows two people smiling at the camera. One person is holding coloured pencils and colouring sheets, whilst the other is also holding colouring sheets.
PARTICIPATORY FILM-MAKING WORKSHOP

KINOLINO – 33rd Film Festival for Young Audiences at the Museum Cinema

Alice von Gwinner and Uli Seis have invented some very special colouring pages. These are coloured in with coloured pencils, then scanned using an app and turned into animated films. Straight afterwards, you can admire your very own animated film, set within the picture you’ve just coloured in. The ‘Mitmalfilm’ concept has won several awards. It’s sure to amaze you when your very first animated film comes to life

  • For children aged 5 to 9
  • Max. one accompanying adult per child
  • Duration: approx. 2 hours
  • Book online or via the visitor service at the Museums of the City of Dresden on +49 351 488 7272 (Mon–Fri)
Free entry
Sat / 17. Oct
15:00
AI-generated: The image shows two imaginative, colourful fabric dolls with whimsical accessories such as hats and spears against a blue background. The dolls are of different shapes and sizes and are adorned with creative decorations.
Short film programme ‘Courage from the Bag of Tricks’

KINOLINO – 33rd Film Festival for Young Audiences at the Museum Cinema

Courage doesn’t mean not being afraid, but daring to do something despite that queasy feeling. That’s what sets the main characters of these DEFA animated films from Dresden apart: they try new things, say ‘no’ or face up to a difficult situation. Curiosity, humour and skill, as well as their empathy for other living creatures, help them to do so.

Film selection:

*The Fairy-Tale Cloak*, Horst J. Tappert, GDR 1981, puppet animation

The Scaredy-Cat, Lothar Barke, GDR 1964, hand-drawn animation

The Little Elephant’s Great Journey, Heinz Nagel, GDR 1969, flat-figure animation

*Jungle Fairy Tale*, Katja Georgi, GDR 1978, puppet animation

  • In cooperation with the German Institute for Animated Film (DIAF)
  • Recommended for ages 6 and over
  • Total running time: 54 mins
  • Admission: 1 euro plus museum entry fee
  • Book online or via the visitor services department of the Museums of the City of Dresden on +49 351 488 7272 (Mon–Fri)
Sun / 18. Oct
11:00
AI-generated: The image shows two imaginative, colourful fabric dolls with whimsical accessories such as hats and spears against a blue background. The dolls are of different shapes and sizes and are adorned with creative decorations.
Short film programme ‘Courage from the Bag of Tricks’

KINOLINO – 33rd Film Festival for Young Audiences at the Museum Cinema

Courage doesn’t mean not being afraid, but daring to do something despite that queasy feeling. That’s what sets the main characters of these DEFA animated films from Dresden apart: they try new things, say ‘no’ or face up to a difficult situation. Curiosity, humour and skill, as well as their empathy for other living creatures, help them to do so.

Film selection:

*The Fairy-Tale Cloak*, Horst J. Tappert, GDR 1981, puppet animation

The Scaredy-Cat, Lothar Barke, GDR 1964, hand-drawn animation

The Little Elephant’s Great Journey, Heinz Nagel, GDR 1969, flat-figure animation

*Jungle Fairy Tale*, Katja Georgi, GDR 1978, puppet animation

  • In cooperation with the German Institute for Animated Film (DIAF)
  • Recommended for ages 6 and over
  • Total running time: 54 mins
  • Admission: 1 euro plus museum entry fee
  • Book online or via the visitor services department of the Museums of the City of Dresden on +49 351 488 7272 (Mon–Fri)
Sun / 18. Oct
15:00
AI-generated: A man is holding a film reel and standing in front of a colourful background bearing the words ‘Flimmer King’. The background lends the scene a lively and creative touch.
Flimmerkino presents: ‘Cinderella’ film concert

KINOLINO – 33rd Film Festival for Young Audiences at the Museum Cinema

Discover the wonderful world of fairy tales in an enchanting silhouette film. Together, we’ll accompany Cinderella to the castle, meet the prince, experience the royal ball and hold our breath as the famous slipper decides everything. But watch out: this is no ordinary trip to the cinema! At the interactive film concert with Flimmerkino, you can get involved yourselves and help bring the story of Cinderella to life. A magical experience for the whole family.

Cinderella, Horst J. Tappert, GDR 1982

  • Host and piano: Matthias ‘Tastenmann’ Hirth
  • Recommended for children aged 4 to 10
  • Admission: 1 euro plus museum entry fee
  • Book online or via the visitor service at the Museums of the City of Dresden on +49 351 488 7272 (Mon–Fri)
Wed / 21. Oct
15:00
AI-generated: The image shows two imaginative, colourful fabric dolls with whimsical accessories such as hats and spears against a blue background. The dolls are of different shapes and sizes and are adorned with creative decorations.
Short film programme ‘Courage from the Bag of Tricks’

KINOLINO – 33rd Film Festival for Young Audiences at the Museum Cinema

Courage doesn’t mean not being afraid, but daring to do something despite that queasy feeling. That’s what sets the main characters of these DEFA animated films from Dresden apart: they try new things, say ‘no’ or face up to a difficult situation. Curiosity, humour and skill, as well as their empathy for other living creatures, help them to do so.

Film selection:

*The Fairy-Tale Cloak*, Horst J. Tappert, GDR 1981, puppet animation

The Scaredy-Cat, Lothar Barke, GDR 1964, hand-drawn animation

The Little Elephant’s Great Journey, Heinz Nagel, GDR 1969, flat-figure animation

*Jungle Fairy Tale*, Katja Georgi, GDR 1978, puppet animation

  • In cooperation with the German Institute for Animated Film (DIAF)
  • Recommended for ages 6 and over
  • Total running time: 54 mins
  • Admission: 1 euro plus museum entry fee
  • Book online or via the visitor services department of the Museums of the City of Dresden on +49 351 488 7272 (Mon–Fri)
Thu / 22. Oct
15:00
AI-generated: The image shows two imaginative, colourful fabric dolls with whimsical accessories such as hats and spears against a blue background. The dolls are of different shapes and sizes and are adorned with creative decorations.
Short film programme ‘Courage from the Bag of Tricks’

KINOLINO – 33rd Film Festival for Young Audiences at the Museum Cinema

Courage doesn’t mean not being afraid, but daring to do something despite that queasy feeling. That’s what sets the main characters of these DEFA animated films from Dresden apart: they try new things, say ‘no’ or face up to a difficult situation. Curiosity, humour and skill, as well as their empathy for other living creatures, help them to do so.

Film selection:

*The Fairy-Tale Cloak*, Horst J. Tappert, GDR 1981, puppet animation

The Scaredy-Cat, Lothar Barke, GDR 1964, hand-drawn animation

The Little Elephant’s Great Journey, Heinz Nagel, GDR 1969, flat-figure animation

*Jungle Fairy Tale*, Katja Georgi, GDR 1978, puppet animation

  • In cooperation with the German Institute for Animated Film (DIAF)
  • Recommended for ages 6 and over
  • Total running time: 54 mins
  • Admission: 1 euro plus museum entry fee
  • Book online or via the visitor services department of the Museums of the City of Dresden on +49 351 488 7272 (Mon–Fri)
Sat / 24. Oct
15:00
AI-generated: The image shows two imaginative, colourful fabric dolls with whimsical accessories such as hats and spears against a blue background. The dolls are of different shapes and sizes and are adorned with creative decorations.
Short film programme ‘Courage from the Bag of Tricks’

KINOLINO – 33rd Film Festival for Young Audiences at the Museum Cinema

Courage doesn’t mean not being afraid, but daring to do something despite that queasy feeling. That’s what sets the main characters of these DEFA animated films from Dresden apart: they try new things, say ‘no’ or face up to a difficult situation. Curiosity, humour and skill, as well as their empathy for other living creatures, help them to do so.

Film selection:

*The Fairy-Tale Cloak*, Horst J. Tappert, GDR 1981, puppet animation

The Scaredy-Cat, Lothar Barke, GDR 1964, hand-drawn animation

The Little Elephant’s Great Journey, Heinz Nagel, GDR 1969, flat-figure animation

*Jungle Fairy Tale*, Katja Georgi, GDR 1978, puppet animation

  • In cooperation with the German Institute for Animated Film (DIAF)
  • Recommended for ages 6 and over
  • Total running time: 54 mins
  • Admission: 1 euro plus museum entry fee
  • Book online or via the visitor services department of the Museums of the City of Dresden on +49 351 488 7272 (Mon–Fri)
Sun / 25. Oct
11:00
AI-generated: The image shows two imaginative, colourful fabric dolls with whimsical accessories such as hats and spears against a blue background. The dolls are of different shapes and sizes and are adorned with creative decorations.
Short film programme ‘Courage from the Bag of Tricks’

KINOLINO – 33rd Film Festival for Young Audiences at the Museum Cinema

Courage doesn’t mean not being afraid, but daring to do something despite that queasy feeling. That’s what sets the main characters of these DEFA animated films from Dresden apart: they try new things, say ‘no’ or face up to a difficult situation. Curiosity, humour and skill, as well as their empathy for other living creatures, help them to do so.

Film selection:

*The Fairy-Tale Cloak*, Horst J. Tappert, GDR 1981, puppet animation

The Scaredy-Cat, Lothar Barke, GDR 1964, hand-drawn animation

The Little Elephant’s Great Journey, Heinz Nagel, GDR 1969, flat-figure animation

*Jungle Fairy Tale*, Katja Georgi, GDR 1978, puppet animation

  • In cooperation with the German Institute for Animated Film (DIAF)
  • Recommended for ages 6 and over
  • Total running time: 54 mins
  • Admission: 1 euro plus museum entry fee
  • Book online or via the visitor services department of the Museums of the City of Dresden on +49 351 488 7272 (Mon–Fri)
Sun / 25. Oct
15:00
AI-generated: The image shows two imaginative, colourful fabric dolls with whimsical accessories such as hats and spears against a blue background. The dolls are of different shapes and sizes and are adorned with creative decorations.
Short film programme ‘Courage from the Bag of Tricks’

KINOLINO – 33rd Film Festival for Young Audiences at the Museum Cinema

Courage doesn’t mean not being afraid, but daring to do something despite that queasy feeling. That’s what sets the main characters of these DEFA animated films from Dresden apart: they try new things, say ‘no’ or face up to a difficult situation. Curiosity, humour and skill, as well as their empathy for other living creatures, help them to do so.

Film selection:

*The Fairy-Tale Cloak*, Horst J. Tappert, GDR 1981, puppet animation

The Scaredy-Cat, Lothar Barke, GDR 1964, hand-drawn animation

The Little Elephant’s Great Journey, Heinz Nagel, GDR 1969, flat-figure animation

*Jungle Fairy Tale*, Katja Georgi, GDR 1978, puppet animation

  • In cooperation with the German Institute for Animated Film (DIAF)
  • Recommended for ages 6 and over
  • Total running time: 54 mins
  • Admission: 1 euro plus museum entry fee
  • Book online or via the visitor services department of the Museums of the City of Dresden on +49 351 488 7272 (Mon–Fri)
AI generated: The image shows the logo of the German Institute for Animated Film (DIAF). The text of the logo reads "DIAF German Institute for Animated Film."