Dresden Molkerei Gebrüder Pfund, also known as Pfunds Molkerei, is a remarkable tourist attraction in Dresden, located at Bautzner Straße 79. The dairy, founded in the 19th century by the Pfund brothers, is still famous today for its beautiful hand-painted tiles created by the renowned Villeroy & Boch company. In 1997, it was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the “World’s Most Beautiful Milk Shop”. Today, it offers local dairy products, cheeses, wines and natural cosmetics.
The dairy was founded by Paul Gustav Leander Pfund in 1879. The man came to Dresden from Reinholdshain to supply fresh, clean milk, which was particularly important at a time when food hygiene issues were becoming increasingly important. Initially, the dairy was located at Neustädter Waldgasse 1, where customers could watch the process of milking the cows and preparing the milk. In 1880, Paul Pfund was joined by his brother Friedrich, which led to the company taking the name Gebrüder Pfund.
Jörg Blobelt, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
From the beginning, the dairy focused on innovation. Thanks to the cooperation with the doctor and microbiologist Walther Hess, pasteurisation was introduced, which provided the milk with better quality. Over the years, Pfund grew its business, producing condensed milk, yoghurt and kefir, as well as milk soaps and baby food, among other products. The demand for Pfund’s products meant that the dairy quickly expanded, and the main building itself was moved to Bautzner Straße.
Pfund proved to be not only an entrepreneur but also a visionary in terms of social welfare. For his employees, he provided access to their own housing, ballroom, kindergarten, showers and other amenities. In 1890, he founded the Health Insurance Association, which looked after insurance, sickness benefits and emergency financial assistance. He also pioneered a pension fund for long-serving employees.
The main dairy building at Bautzner Straße 79, built in 1891, was designed with great splendour. The shop rooms were lined with Villeroy & Boch tiles, decorated with Neo-Renaissance patterns and illustrations, designed in collaboration with local artists. The shop survived the massive bombing of Dresden during the Second World War and has retained its historic appearance to this day.
In 1972, during the GDR period, the dairy was expropriated and production stopped shortly afterwards. It was not until 1995 that the shop reopened. Two years later, it was restored to its former glory, earning it the title of “World’s Most Beautiful Milk Shop”.
Today, the Pfunds Molkerei attracts thousands of tourists and dairy enthusiasts. In addition to a wide selection of regional products, visitors can partake in cheese tastings, which are made from raw milk according to local traditions. The dairy shop continues to impress with its unique aesthetics and remains a symbol of history and innovation.
In recent years, there have been plans to transform the courtyard of the dairy into a space inspired by the style of Friedensreich Hundertwasser, as well as to develop artistic and cultural activities, which would give the place even more appeal.
Source: pfunds.de, historiansjourneys.com
Also read: Architecture | Interiors | Ceramics | History | Germany
