In sprawling Sanssouci Park is a great Prussian Baroque palace with richly decorated halls, theatres and a marine-themed stateroom.
Wander the majestic halls and ornate staterooms of the New Palace (Neues Palais), a magnificent royal residence in Potsdam’s Sanssouci Park. The construction of the palace began in 1763 as a celebration of the end of the Seven Years’ War. Frederick the Great ordered the palace’s design to represent Prussia’s power and glory through the lavish use of marble, stone and gilt. Stroll around the palace grounds admiring the building’s grand façade and enter the complex to see its opulent interiors.
The palace’s exterior is designed in the Baroque and Rococo styles, incorporating rich materials into its structure and ornamentation. The three-story building is topped with an enormous dome in its centre. A copper statue of the Three Graces upholding the Prussian royal crown stands on top of the dome. Spot some of the 400 sandstone statues that adorn the palace and its auxiliary buildings.
Enter the palace to see its stunning interiors. Many of the building’s furnishings and treasures were sent to the Netherlands during the world wars. Returned only after the 1970s, these interior decorations are beautifully preserved and appear much as they did in the early 20th century. See the marine-themed Grotto Hall, the walls of which are wreathed with shells, marble ornaments, quartz and other glittering minerals. Look down to spy depictions of marine animals in the marble floor and gaze up to see the ceiling painting and cut-crystal chandeliers.
Explore the vast Marble Hall, a brightly lit ballroom with gleaming stonemasonry and gilt ceiling. See stunning paintings on the walls and ceiling of this room. Go to the Upper Gallery to see neoclassical ornamentation and Italian Baroque paintings. The palace’s breathtaking theatre is still in use today and features red, white and gold Rococo elements.
The New Palace lies at the western end of Sanssouci Park. It is easily accessible by bus and tram from Potsdam’s main train station. Sanssouci Park is open during daylight hours and is free to enter. The palace has an admission fee and is closed on Tuesdays and Sundays.
