Schloss Augustusburg
Rococo summer palace of the Cologne Elector Clemens August in Brühl, UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its grand staircase by Balthasar Neumann.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Augustusburg Palace was built between 1725 and 1768 as the summer palace of the Cologne Elector and Archbishop Clemens August. The Westphalian master builder Johann Conrad Schlaun began the work on the foundations of a medieval moated castle. From 1728, the architect François de Cuvilliés the Elder, who came from Wallonia, took over the design. The client did not live to see his favorite palace completed: it was finished only seven years after his death.
The centerpiece of the palace is the grand staircase designed by Balthasar Neumann. Varied materials, lively colors and forms, and a ceiling fresco by Carlo Carlone make it one of the most magnificent Rococo staircases anywhere. Because rocaille elements appeared here for the first time in Germany, the palace is regarded as the cradle of Rococo in the country.
Together with Falkenlust Palace and the gardens, Augustusburg forms the UNESCO World Heritage Site Schlösser Brühl (Palaces of Brühl). The palace garden is a garden monument. Today the palace is used as a museum; it can be visited on a guided tour.
Highlights
- Grand staircase designed by Balthasar Neumann
- Ceiling fresco by Carlo Carlone
- Cradle of Rococo in Germany
- Palace garden as a garden monument
- UNESCO World Heritage Site Schlösser Brühl
Permanent exhibition
- Rundgang durch Schloss Augustusburg – Guided tour through the palace, with the grand staircase as the highlight.
- Operated by
- Schlösser Brühl
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €9.50 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €8Groups of 15 or more, seniors aged 65 and over, people with severe disabilities from GdB 50, holders of the Sozialpass or Kölnpass social pass, volunteers in a federal volunteer service, holders of the Ehrenamtsausweis (volunteer ID) |
| Children & teens | freeChildren up to school age, pupils, students and apprentices up to age 25 have free admission with proof. |
| Seniors | €8From age 65. |
| Visitors with disabilities | €8companion free · From GdB 50, reduced admission; accompanying person with a "B" marker free. |
| Students & apprentices | freeStudents and apprentices up to age 25 free with proof. |
| Groups (15+ people) | €8 per personReduced price from 15 people; reservation from 10 people. Kindergartens, schools and universities: flat fee of €30 for a guided tour of up to 25 people. |
| Ticket Standard (exhibition, grand staircase and guided tour) | €15Reduced: €13.50. |
| Ticket Plus (Standard with tour plus Falkenlust Palace) | €21Reduced: €17.50. |
| Special tour, workshop or lecture | €14.50Reduced: €13; children, pupils, students and apprentices: €3.50; reservation required. |
The Ticket Special (exhibition and grand staircase) is the lowest price; the Ticket Standard also includes the guided tour. Free admission (with proof) also for members of ICOM/ICOMOS, members of the Deutscher Verband für Kunstgeschichte and press card holders (with registration). Cooperation with the Emsland Museum Schloss Clemenswerth: 50% discount on presentation of a regular ticket.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- 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
Visits with a wheelchair or rollator are possible only to a limited extent; please inquire in advance at +49 2232 44000.
Kids & families
- Stroller-friendly: not available
Strollers and buggies can be left at the ticket area, since they are not allowed into the rooms because of the delicate floors. The museum explicitly recommends visits for primary school classes as well (please reserve a tour).
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Bahnhof Brühl · 5-min walk
Trains RB 48, RE 5 and MRB 26 on the Cologne–Bonn line serve Brühl station; streetcar line 18 (KVB/SWB) stops at Brühl-Mitte.
By car
Parking available
Parking at Max-Ernst-Allee, 50321 Brühl.
By car via the A 555 (Godorf/Brühl exit) or the A 61 (Bliesheim junction) and the A 553 toward Brühl-Ost/Wesseling; in town, follow the signs for "Augustusburg". From the Brühl-Mitte stop (line 18), it is about a 13-minute walk to the palaces. Cycling in the palace park is not permitted.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Photography | Private photography is permitted to a small extent with an admission ticket; on guided tours only at designated photo spots. Drones are not permitted. |
| Good to know | Visits take place as part of a 60-minute guided tour included in the ticket; tours run regularly, and the wait is usually under 30 minutes. Special tours last 90 minutes and require a reservation, as do groups of 10 or more. For school classes there are tours tailored to age and school type, and for primary school classes there are museum chests (Museumstruhen) available for loan. |
