Schloss Rosenau

About the museum

The Rosenau dates back to a medieval noble residence northeast of Coburg. Duke Ernst I of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld acquired the estate and had it converted into a summer residence in the Neo-Gothic style between 1808 and 1817; Karl Friedrich Schinkel contributed early design ideas. The palace is considered an early example of Romantic historicism in Bavaria and was meant to combine princely status with rural simplicity.

The court celebrated its completion in 1817 with a knights' tournament and a costume ball. Prince Albert, later husband of Britain's Queen Victoria, was born here in 1819 and baptized in the Marble Hall. Victoria visited the Rosenau in 1845 and was deeply impressed by the place.

In the 20th century the palace was used, among other things, as a home for the elderly. In 1972 the property passed to the Free State of Bavaria, which had the complex extensively restored. On October 4, 1990, the Rosenau opened as a museum.

Today the Bavarian Palace Administration presents the colorfully painted Neo-Gothic rooms with dark-stained furniture acquired in Vienna. The interior can only be visited on a guided tour; the surrounding landscape park is freely accessible. The park's orangery houses the European Museum of Modern Glass.

Highlights

• Marble Hall, where Prince Albert was baptized
• Colorful Neo-Gothic wall paintings
• Original Viennese furniture from the early 19th century
• English-style landscape park
• Birthplace of Queen Victoria's Prince Consort

Permanent exhibitions

• Neugotische Wohnräume der Coburger Herzöge – Guided tour through the Romantic-style rooms of the ducal summer residence, including the Marble Hall and original furnishings.

Founded

1990

Operated by

Bayerische Schlösserverwaltung (Schloss- und Gartenverwaltung Coburg)

Admission & discounts

2026 prices.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: not available
• 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 palace rooms can only be reached by stairs; visits in a wheelchair are not possible. The visitor center is largely accessible with an accessible restroom; the path to the palace is about 100 m of granite paving with a gradient of over 6%, step-free. Three accessible parking spaces at the European Museum of Modern Glass (approx. 350 m away). Park paths are mostly compacted gravel.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Stroller-friendly: not available
• Kids’ birthday parties

Museum education programs for families, daycare and school groups, as well as children's birthday parties (e.g., "Adlige Kindheit" – a noble childhood). The palace rooms can only be reached by stairs; strollers and child carrier backpacks can be left at the ticket desk.

Getting there & parking

A 73, exit 9 (Rödental), toward Neustadt, then the second road on the left (Rosenau).

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop
• Lockers
• Wi-Fi

Museum shop with cafeteria in the visitor center; Parkrestaurant Rosenau in the park (Rosenau 5). Lockers for large bags, free Wi-Fi in the visitor center. Dogs allowed in the park on a leash.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Up to 120 guests.

The Marble Hall (up to 120 people standing, 75 in theater seating; for concerts and ceremonies) and the Old Orangery are available for rent.

Plan your visit