Gotisches Haus
Neo-Gothic retreat of Prince Franz in Wörlitz Park with a significant collection of stained glass paintings and works from the Cranach workshop.
About the museum
Construction of the Gothic House began in 1773, before the Neoclassical Wörlitz Castle was completed; the plans, as for the castle, were by Friedrich Wilhelm von Erdmannsdorff. Unlike the castle, the house grew over about four decades in several construction phases, which is still evident today in its winding, irregular form. It is regarded as one of the earliest largely original surviving buildings of the Gothic Revival in Europe; models included a Venetian church facade and the English country house Strawberry Hill.
Initially intended as the residence of the court gardener Schoch, Prince Leopold III Friedrich Franz increasingly used the house himself from 1785 – as a private refuge and as a place for his collections. He lived in some of the rooms with Luise Schoch, the gardener's daughter, and their children.
The centerpiece of the furnishings is the stained glass paintings, mostly from Switzerland, from the late 15th to the 17th century. Added to these are Old German and Early Netherlandish paintings, including works by Lucas Cranach the Elder and the Younger, as well as portraits, weapons, furniture, and decorative arts. Since 2003 the house has been renovated in stages; today it is managed by the Kulturstiftung Dessau-Wörlitz as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz.
Highlights
- Early major work of the Gothic Revival in Europe
- Swiss stained glass paintings from the 15th to 17th century
- Paintings by Lucas Cranach the Elder and the Younger
- Neo-Gothic interior furnishings
- Located in Wörlitz Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Operated by
- Kulturstiftung Dessau-Wörlitz
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €6 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €5Groups of 15 or more people, students up to age 25, trainees, unemployed people, people with a severe disability, holders of the Ehrenamtskarte Dessau-Roßlau |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 16 · Children up to 16 years accompanied by an adult free. |
| Seniors | –No senior discount listed. |
| Visitors with disabilities | €5companion free · Reduced with severe disability ID (Schwerbehindertenausweis); companion free. |
| Students & apprentices | €5Students up to age 25 and trainees. |
| Groups (15+ people) | €5 per personReduced price from 15 people. Pupils in groups €3 (up to 3 companions). |
| Families | –No family ticket; children up to 16 years free. |
| Guided tour | €9Reduced €7. |
| 3-Schlösserkarte (3-castle pass, season) | €19Three houses of your choice from Luisium, Oranienbaum, Mosigkau, and the Gothic House, valid for one season. |
| Group tour outside opening hours (up to 1.5 hrs) | €50Per group plus admission; up to 2.5 hrs €100. |
Tickets online or as remaining tickets at the box office.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The site is listed under "Reisen für Alle" (Travel for All); the inspection report is linked on the website.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 16 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
Children up to 16 years accompanied free. Backpack tour "Gartendetektive" (garden detectives) for four- to nine-year-olds around the Gothic House: explorer backpack with booklet and tasks, available to borrow during opening hours for a €5 fee. The free Gartenreich app offers digital rallies through Wörlitz Park.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Wörlitz, Neue Reihe
Bus lines 304 and 310 ("WelterbeLinie", hourly) to Wörlitz, Neue Reihe; in season additionally the Dessau-Wörlitz Railway to Wörlitz station.
By car
Paid parking
Large parking lot Wörlitzer Park and parking lot Eichenkranz (each €5 per day); bus parking including on Angergasse; motorhome spaces at the large parking lot.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Individual visit or tour at 11:00 and 14:00. Tours at requested times by advance registration (info@welterbe-gartenreich.de, tel. 034905 31009). For grades 2–5 there is a one-hour adventure tour (€3 per child incl. materials). |
