Residenz Ansbach

About the museum

The Ansbach Residence grew out of a medieval complex. In the second half of the 16th century, the Gothic Hall with its ribbed vault was built; today it houses the largest collection of faience and porcelain from the former Ansbach manufactory. Between 1705 and 1730, the medieval structure was remodeled into a modern residence building.

The palace is famous for its interior, which was largely created between 1734 and 1745 under the direction of architect Leopoldo Retti. It survived so well and so uniformly for a historical reason: the last Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach abdicated in 1791 and handed his territory over to Prussia, after which there was little reason to modernize the state rooms.

The main floor (second floor) comprises three separate suites of rooms for courtly ceremony: the apartments of the margrave, those of the margravine, and the guest apartment. Especially worth seeing are the ceiling fresco by Carlo Carlone in the Festsaal (great hall), the picture gallery with Rococo works and paintings from the margravial collection, and the Mirror Cabinet with Meissen porcelain. A rarity are the taxidermied margravial horses of the 18th century. Opposite lies the Court Garden with an orangery.

Highlights

• Original Rococo state rooms by Leopoldo Retti
• Ceiling fresco by Carlo Carlone in the Festsaal
• Gothic Hall with the largest collection of Ansbach faience and porcelain
• Picture gallery and Mirror Cabinet with Meissen porcelain
• Taxidermied margravial horses from the 18th century
• Court Garden with orangery opposite

Permanent exhibitions

• Markgräfliche Prunkräume – Three suites of rooms for the margrave, the margravine and guests, with the Festsaal, Carlo Carlone's ceiling fresco and the original Rococo décor.
• Gotische Halle mit Ansbacher Fayencen und Porzellan – The vaulted Gothic Hall displays the largest collection of faience and porcelain from the former Ansbach manufactory.
• Gemäldegalerie und Spiegelkabinett – Rococo paintings, pictures from the former margravial gallery and a collection of Meissen porcelain in the Mirror Cabinet.

Operated by

Bayerische Verwaltung der staatlichen Schlösser, Gärten und Seen

Admission & discounts

2026 prices. Admission is also free for pupils over 18 attending general education schools, ICOM members, and holders of the Bavarian Ehrenamtskarte (volunteer card). Annual and multi-day passes of the Bavarian Palace Administration are available.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• 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 grand staircase is step-free; two steps lead to the palace ticket office. The rooms can be reached by elevator (cabin 130 × 140 cm); tours are possible only accompanied by museum staff. Doors at least 90 cm wide, thresholds 3–4 cm, level floors, seating available. Accessible WC on the first floor (only with staff accompaniment) and two public accessible toilets nearby; several accessible parking spaces 50–250 m away. Videos of the tour in sign language are available; no tactile guidance system, no induction loop.

Kids & families

Children and young people up to 18 are admitted free; children under 14 may enter the palaces only accompanied by an adult supervisor.

Getting there & parking

Promenade 27, 91522 Ansbach; the Court Garden with its orangery lies opposite.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant

Restaurant Orangerie in the Court Garden opposite (tel. +49 981 2170).

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The Gothic Hall can be rented for standing receptions, exhibitions and readings.

Plan your visit