The Prussian Royal Family

An introduction to the dynasty

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  Das preußische Königshaus, Blick in die Ausstellung – Das preußische Königshaus, Blick in die Ausstellung © SPSG / Foto: Daniel Lindner

• Das preußische Königshaus, Blick in die Ausstellung – Das preußische Königshaus, Blick in die Ausstellung © SPSG / Foto: Daniel Lindner

• Das preußische Königshaus, Blick in die Ausstellung – Das preußische Königshaus, Blick in die Ausstellung © SPSG / Foto: Daniel Lindner

• Das preußische Königshaus, Blick in die Ausstellung – Das preußische Königshaus, Blick in die Ausstellung © SPSG / Foto: Daniel Lindner

The new permanent exhibition at Charlottenburg Palace presents various aspects of the Hohenzollern dynasty's centuries-long rule

For the first time, the SPSG is focusing on the Hohenzollern dynasty in a permanent exhibition that can be seen in the rooms on the upper floor of Charlottenburg Palace (Altes Schloss). Four large thematic blocks form the prelude. The beginnings of the dynasty and the 19th century's return to these roots, as well as the rise of the Hohenzollerns from Nuremberg burgraves to German emperors, will be illuminated, as will the network with other European dynasties and the Prussian military.

Among the questions addressed are: Who were the rulers on the Prussian throne? Where did they come from and what distinguished them? What brought about their unprecedented rise - first as electors in Brandenburg, then as Prussian kings and finally as emperors of the German Empire? And why was their fate sealed in 1918? Visitors will find out the answers to these and other questions from 9 November 2018.

Precious exhibits and a media station provide illuminating and vivid information about the Hohenzollern family. The outstanding showpiece is the dynasty's crown treasure, consisting of stately insignia such as the crown carcasses made of pure gold for the first king in Prussia, Frederick, and his wife Sophie Charlotte. The jewel-studded imperial orb, the sceptre and two precious ceremonial swords complete the treasure.

A further highlight is the monumental painting of Frederick the Great on horseback at the Battle of Leuthen, created by Wilhelm Camphausen in 1870, which is being restored in the adjoining room under the eyes of the visitors and can be seen in the exhibition as a reproduction in almost its original size until the work is completed. Further paintings, medals, valuable objects of courtly culture as well as animations complete the presentation and provide an overview of the history and fortunes of one of the once most powerful families in Europe.

The topics addressed illuminate only a part of the multifaceted history of the Hohenzollern dynasty. A planned continuation of the exhibition will focus on the building activities of the Hohenzollerns and the resulting residential landscape of Berlin-Brandenburg, but will also look at issues of court ceremonial.

Runtime: from April 2022

Price: €12.00

Reduced price: €8.00

Reduced price info: Admission for Old Palace and New Wing. New Pavilion, Belvedere and Mausoleum cost extra admission. Ticket charlottenburg+ Valid for one visit to all palaces in the Charlottenburg Palace Garden on one day (excluding special exhibitions). Sold at participating palace ticket offices, visitor centers, and online: (Purchase of online ticket includes a fixed admission time at Charlottenburg Palace) Ticket charlottenburg+ family 25 euros for all houses. Valid for two adults and max. four children for one visit on one day.

Takes place here:

• Schloss Charlottenburg