Schlossmuseum Molsdorf

Current exhibitions

About the museum

On the site of today's palace there was already a moated castle in the 16th century, which was converted into a Renaissance palace. Molsdorf's heyday came between 1733 and 1748 under the Prussian diplomat Gustav Adolf von Gotter, who had the palace and park extended in the late baroque style. His motto "Vive la joie" still shapes the atmosphere today, which is why the house is also called the "Thuringian Versailles".

Gotter had to sell the estate as early as 1748; later the baroque park was redesigned as an English landscape garden. In the early 20th century Maria von Gneisenau modernized the palace, and in the 1950s part of it was used as a children's home. After extensive reconstruction, the Schlossmuseum opened in 1966 with a café.

The museum belongs to the art museums of the city of Erfurt. The historic rooms, such as the Festsaal with 33 portraits, the Damensalon and the Jagdzimmer, can be seen on guided tours. The house also manages an erotica collection, which is shown only occasionally in small special exhibitions, as well as the estate of the painter Otto Knöpfer, parts of which are on display in a permanent exhibition. Chamber concerts take place in the Festsaal from March to December.

Highlights

• Historic state rooms of Count Gotter, including the Festsaal
• Late baroque palace with a park of around eight hectares
• Permanent exhibition on the estate of Otto Knöpfer
• Erotica collection (occasionally in special exhibitions)
• Chamber concerts in the Festsaal
• Park Café in the palace

Permanent exhibitions

• Historische Räume des Schlosses – Guided tours show the Festsaal with 33 portraits, the Damensalon, Intimes Kabinett, Roter Salon and Jagdzimmer from the time of Count Gotter.
• Nachlass Otto Knöpfer – Parts of the estate of the Thuringian painter and graphic artist Otto Knöpfer, which has belonged to the museum since 1998, can be seen in a permanent exhibition.

Founded

1966

Operated by

Landeshauptstadt Erfurt (Kunstmuseen)

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Free admission on the first Tuesday of every month (municipal museums).

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• 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 palace museum is not accessible for wheelchair users; the park and the palace café can be reached by wheelchair.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

At the Thuringian Palaces Children's Day in September there is a children's programme with puppet theatre; the special exhibitions regularly feature works by children's book illustrators.

Getting there & parking

Molsdorf is about 15 kilometers from Erfurt. By car via Erfurt-Bischleben toward Neudietendorf, or via the A 4, exit Neudietendorf, toward Arnstadt/Thörey/Ichtershausen.

Amenities & dining

• Café

Park Café with in-house confectionery in the palace.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit