to the construction because the funds were needed elsewhere. The palace area was left open towards the Semperoper square (Theatre Square) and the river. Later the plans were changed to a smaller scale, and in 1847–1855 the area was closed by the construction of the gallery wing now separating the Zwinger from the Theatre Square. The architect of this building, later named Semper Gallery, was Gottfried Semper. Destruction and rebuilding The building was mostly destroyed by the carpet bombing raids of 13–15 February 1945. The art collection had been previously evacuated, however. Reconstruction, supported by the Soviet military administration, began in 1945; parts of the restored complex were opened to the public in 1951. By 1963 the Zwinger had largely been restored to its pre-war state. See also Pillnitz Castle – Summer residence of the electors and kings of Saxony Moritzburg Castle – Hunting lodge of the electors and kings of Saxony List of castles in Saxony List of Baroque residences References External links Map of the Zwinger Zwinger and its Museums at Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden Homepage of Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden Schlösser und Gärten Dresden Art museums and galleries in Dresden Baroque architecture in Dresden Houses completed in 1728 Palaces in Dresden Rebuilt buildings and structures in Dresden Residences of Polish monarchs Royal residences in Saxony 1728 establishments in the Holy Roman Empire Tourist attractions in Dresden