The Johanneum is a Neo-Renaissance building, constructed in 1586-1590. The building was rebuilt several times, including on the initiative of Polish kings. In the years 1722-1731, on the orders of Friedrich Augustus I (Augustus II the Strong), a second storey and a free-standing double staircase were added to the previously single-storey building. The cartouche with the Saxon-Polish coat of arms on the south façade of the building dates from this period. The son of the above-mentioned ruler, Friedrich August II (August III Sas), decided to house the Dresden Picture Gallery in the building. To this end, the building was renovated again between 1744 and 1746, with, among other things, the insertion of high, arched windows to allow more light into the gallery. The gallery operated on this site from 1747 to 1856.
The Johanneum is now home to the Museum of Transport (Verkehrsmuseum).

In addition, a relief depicting King Augustus II the Strong has been preserved on the side elevation of the building. The relief formerly adorned the palace of August Christoph von Wackerbarth, but due to the destruction of the palace and its demolition, it was moved to its present location in 1963.