DRESDEN.- Internationally acclaimed architect Peter Marino was commissioned to create the new architecture and design for the Oriental Gallery of the Zwinger Royal Porcelain Collection at Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden, which is slated to open on October 15, 2006.

On the heels of the reopening of the Historic Green Vault at the Dresden Royal Palace this September, the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden will take center stage on October 15th with the world-famous Porcelain Collection in the Zwinger and the unveiling of the magnificent new exhibition space for the Oriental Gallery. The gallery is situated in the northern gallery of the Zwinger that once housed the orangerie of the Saxon Prince Electors.

American architect Peter Marino, who also designed the distinctive exhibition space for the Sèvres Collection at the American Craft Museum in New York and who is on the board of the International Committee of the L'Union Centrale des Arts Décoratifs, was commissioned for the installation to create a strong visual impression for the entire Oriental Gallery and highlight the artistry and craftsmanship of August the Strong's Royal Porcelain Collection. Mr. Marino's award-winning architectural design contributions in the world of retail, cultural, residential and commercial architecture have helped redefine modern luxury worldwide.

In Dresden, Peter Marino is introducing his unique vision of modern luxury and baroque exuberance to the Zwinger. Inspired by the 18th century French architect Zacharias Longuelune who drafted the original plans for the gallery in 1735, Peter Marino combines authentic historical forms with a modern interpretation of historical design concepts. Gilded consoles, mantelpieces and decorative tables in front of sumptuous silk-covered walls will bring to life the splendor of the baroque era: the style of presentation and the use of refined materials will emphasize more clearly than ever before the nature of the exhibition as a Royal Collection.

The former Royal Porcelain Collection of Dresden was established around 1715 by August the Strong, and is considered to be the most comprehensive and most important collection of its kind in the Western world. The Polish king, whose passion for East Asian porcelain was unrivalled at the time, intended to dedicate an entire castle, the Japanese Palace, to appropriately exhibit his porcelain treasures, but the King's vision remained unrealized after his death in 1733. The impressive collection containing precious porcelains from Meissen, China and Japan has been on display at the Zwinger Museum since 1962. The collection comprises Chinese pieces from the K'ang Hsi period (1662 - 1722), Japanese Imari and Kakiemon wares from the 17th and early 18th century as well as contemporary works produced at the Royal Porcelain Manufactory in Meissen. Mr. Marino's design brings August the Strong's vision for his prized collection to life.

Approximately half of the 20,000 items that comprise the entire collection are of East Asian provenance. While the present installation of the existing collection exhibits only about 750 Chinese and Japanese pieces, the new Oriental Gallery will present an additional 700 exquisite works of art that have not yet been on public display in a permanent exhibition. Five hundred pieces alone are intended for densely equipped cabinets with Chinese blue-and-white porcelain.

Peter Marino's design concepts for the exhibition of Chinese and Japanese porcelain, with an additional 25 per cent of exhibition space in the Zwinger and the first time ever exhibition of a large part of the collection's Chinese and Japanese porcelain, marks a new chapter in the long tradition of the Porcelain Collection at Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden.

About Peter Marino - Peter Marino, FAIA, is the principal of Peter Marino Architect, PLLC, the international architecture firm founded in New York City in 1978. Peter Marino's award-winning design contributions in the areas of retail, cultural, residential and commercial architecture have helped redefine modern luxury worldwide. The firm has designed buildings and interiors for many of the most famous names in the fashion and art worlds, including Chanel, Armani, Andy Warhol, Valentino, Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Donna Karan and Barneys New York.

He has won major design competitions for the American Craft Museum, Palm Beach Opera House, Jewish Congregation of Brookville, and most recently received a 2006 Design Award from the American Institute of Architects for his design for the Nassau County Museum of Art. Cultural restoration projects include St. Patrick's Cathedral and work for the New York Public Library. Previous experience with porcelain installations includes the Sèvres Porcelain exhibition for the American Craft Museum.

Mr. Marino is assisted by six Associates with over 130 employees and has satellite offices in Paris, Philadelphia, East Hampton and Santa Barbara. Marino is chairman of the board of Young Concert Artists, and is on the boards of the New York Foundation for Architecture, the Venetian Heritage Foundation and the International Committee of the L'Union Centrale des Arts Décoratifs. He is a graduate of Cornell University and worked for Skidmore Owings & Merrill, George Nelson and I.M. Pei/Cossutta & Ponte.