Schloss und Schlossgarten Weilburg

About the museum

Where Weilburg Palace stands today, a castle rose in the 10th century; later lords expanded it into a four-winged Renaissance complex. From 1702 on, Count Johann Ernst of Nassau-Weilburg (1664–1719) had his small residence town remodeled in the Baroque spirit, inspired by impressions he gathered at the court of Louis XIV in Versailles during his grand tour. His architect Julius Ludwig Rothweil gave the palace and the town their Baroque face.

Richly furnished rooms have survived inside, including the Kurfürstliches Gemach, a state bedchamber of the early 18th century; the Great Cabinet of the Princess with East Asian porcelain; a bath cabinet with a bathtub of black marble; and the Baroque palace kitchen. The painted wall hangings and tile imitations in the galleries and in the Upper Orangery are particularly striking.

The formally laid-out palace garden is divided into an upper garden and a three-part lower garden with two orangeries, where citrus plants overwinter in winter. Today the Staatliche Schlösser und Gärten Hessen (State Palaces and Gardens of Hesse) look after the site; in summer, the Weilburg palace concerts take place in the inner courtyard.

Highlights

• Kurfürstliches Gemach, state bedchamber of the early 18th century
• Chinese Cabinet with East Asian porcelain
• Upper Orangery with painted Delft-tile imitation by Seekatz
• Bath cabinet with a black marble tub
• Preserved Baroque palace kitchen
• Baroque palace garden with upper and lower gardens and two orangeries

Permanent exhibition

• Museumsschloss: Schauräume zur höfischen Wohnkultur – The route leads through Baroque state rooms such as the Kurfürstliches Gemach and the Chinese Cabinet, and through galleries with painted tile imitations.

Operated by

Staatliche Schlösser und Gärten Hessen

Admission & discounts

Prices apply to the palace with a guided tour. The palace garden is freely accessible. With your admission ticket you receive a discount at Schloss Braunfels.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials
• Audio description: no information

The entrance to the museum ticket desk is a staircase with high steps and no handrail; several staircases and individual steps must be negotiated during the tour, and staff point this out. Loan stools for tours are available in the museum shop. The accessible toilet in the Lower Orangery is open during the opening hours of the palace café. The upper palace garden is reachable with few barriers via the market square; paths are partly gravel or historic paving. Assistance dogs are allowed in the palace and garden (carry proof). There is no audio system for visitors with hearing impairments. Introductory information on the palace is available in Leichte Sprache (easy language).

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Children's and youth tours year-round by phone arrangement; family ticket for two adults with up to four children (ages 6–17). Children up to age 5 have free admission.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Schlosscafé Weilburg in the palace (April to October, Fri/Sat 15:00–18:00, Sun/public holidays 12:30–18:00, weather permitting); museum shop.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Four event spaces for 80 to 240 people: Alte Hofstube (banquet for 80 people, also for non-church weddings), North Hall of the Upper Orangery (standing receptions for up to 160 people), Planting Hall of the Lower Orangery (cultural events only), and outdoor areas. Some spaces can be booked only in September, or not during the palace concerts (June–July); the rooms are not barrier-free.

Plan your visit