Neues Palais

About the museum

The Neues Palais (New Palace) was built between 1763 and 1769 at the western end of the main avenue of Park Sanssouci. After the Seven Years' War, Frederick the Great had it erected as a widely visible demonstration of the unbroken strength of the Prussian state, a deliberate counterpart to the intimate Sanssouci Palace. The high tambour dome marks the building from afar. During the summer festival season, family members and friendly rulers stayed here, while the king himself lived in the royal apartment in the southeast wing.

Inside, magnificent state rooms, galleries and princely apartments follow one another; in the south wing lies the Baroque palace theater. The highlights include the restored Lower Princely Quarter with the Tressenzimmer (Tressen Room), music room and Oval Cabinet, as well as the Grotto Hall, which has been included in the tour again after comprehensive renovation. Later, Emperor Wilhelm II used the Neues Palais with his family as a favorite residence.

The Prussian Palaces and Gardens Foundation (SPSG) is gradually renovating the building as part of the masterplan: the royal apartment is currently closed due to construction work, and the palace theater is due to reopen in spring 2028. Visitors can see the Grand Tour, Prince Henry's apartment and a permanent display of Baroque paintings in the Upper Gallery.

Highlights

• Grand Tour through the state rooms and galleries of Frederician Baroque
• Lower Princely Quarter with Tressenzimmer, music room and Oval Cabinet
• Grotto Hall, accessible again after restoration
• Prince Henry's apartment (separate ticket)
• Tambour dome and the Communs, the largest 18th-century building complex in the park

Permanent exhibitions

• Grand Tour – Tour through the state rooms, galleries and apartments of Frederician Baroque, including the Grotto Hall and the Lower Princely Quarter.
• Die Rückkehr der Bilder – Schätze des Barock in der Oberen Galerie – Permanent display of Baroque paintings in the Upper Gallery of the Neues Palais.
• Prinz-Heinrich-Wohnung – Lavishly furnished guest apartment for the king's brother, visited separately with its own ticket.

Operated by

Stiftung Preußische Schlösser und Gärten Berlin-Brandenburg (SPSG)

Admission & discounts

Single price for the Grand Tour €14 (reduced €10); when purchasing, a fixed entry time is also booked. Free admission for, among others, recipients of social benefits and their children under 18, refugees with a residence permit (Aufenthaltsgestattung) or toleration (Duldung), holders of a press card, and holders of the palace annual pass (€80, reduced €60).

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Classified by the SPSG as "conditionally wheelchair-accessible": the ground floor can be visited by wheelchair, a ramp leads to the entrance, and a wheelchair is available in the palace. Assistance dogs welcome. For conservation reasons, strollers may not enter the exhibition rooms.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Stroller-friendly: not available
• Kids’ birthday parties

In the "SANSSOUCI" app, castellan Konrad guides children aged 6 to 9 through the house (German, English); the "SPSG-Radio" tour is aimed at ages 10 to 13. The children's birthday party "Dancing like a royal child" can be booked all year round. For conservation reasons, strollers may not enter the exhibition rooms.

Getting there & parking

From April to October a free shuttle runs daily from 11:00 to 17:30 between Grünes Gitter and the Neues Palais (run by volunteers; not available in heavy rain). Visitor center Neues Palais: Am Neuen Palais 3.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Lockers

Museum shop in the Neues Palais visitor center (Buchhandlung Walther König). Lockers for small luggage up to 35 × 35 × 50 cm in limited numbers; luggage may not be left in the entrance area. Food nearby: Café Caroline in the visitor center (south gate building), Augustiner in the Bürgerbahnhof, Theaterklause, Café Repin, Drachenhaus Restaurant & Café.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties

Up to 5,000 guests.

Outdoor spaces are available for rent: Mopke and Kolonnaden (approx. 12,000 m², up to 5,000 people, €20,000; Kolonnaden only €8,500), Heckentheater (up to 300 people, €1,000, April–October) and Gartensalon (standing receptions, concerts, private celebrations). The palace theater (226 seats) cannot be booked until its renovation is complete in spring 2028. Inquiries: eventlocations@spsg.de.

Plan your visit