The New Palace sits at the western end of Sanssouci Park in Potsdam, near Berlin. Frederick the Great had it built between 1763 and 1769 to show Prussian power after the Seven Years' War, and it is larger than the Sanssouci Palace beside it. Red brick walls and a copper dome are the first things to notice. The guided tour of the interior takes about an hour and passes a rococo theatre that is still in use and a Marble Hall. Plan extra time for the park around it.
Built to show power
Frederick the Great commissioned the palace after Prussia's victory in the Seven Years' War. He chose the Baroque style of the previous century over the Neoclassical style that was popular in his own time, and that choice gives the building its heavy, ornate character.
Sanssouci was the king's private retreat. The New Palace had the opposite purpose. It was built for guests, with ballrooms, galleries and chambers used for festivities and grand balls. Frederick rarely slept here himself, but the guest rooms that can be visited show how lavishly visitors were once housed.
Later rulers used it too. It was the favourite palace of Wilhelm II, who tried to have his mother arrested here when he came to power in 1888.
The exterior
The palace is built in red brick and topped with a copper dome. It sits at the western end of the axis that Frederick called the Axis of Might, and it closes the view through the park. Carl von Gontard and Johann Gottfried Büring were among the builders who worked on it.
Restoration has affected the outside for a long time. Scaffolding has covered large parts of the facade, and the east side, which is the bigger building, has been under construction. The work protects the palace, but it can limit what you see from the front, so plan your photos around it.
Inside the palace
The guided tour of the interior lasts about an hour. Tours are mainly in German, but the guide answers questions in English, and visitors who have taken the tour describe the guides as knowledgeable. An audio guide is available in eight languages. The Sanssouci app also offers information in several languages, though it is less detailed than a live guide.
The palace has more than 200 rooms. Highlights include the Marble Hall and a rococo theatre that is still in use. The theatre is one of the most beautiful historic theatres of the 18th century. The banquet hall on the first floor is another room to look for.
Many rooms have been closed for renovation on weekdays, so weekends are often the better choice for seeing the most rooms.
The grounds and nearby sites
The palace is part of the Berlin-Potsdam World Heritage site, which covers palaces and parks from Pfaueninsel in the east to beyond the New Palace in the west. Within Sanssouci Park, the palace is at the far western end, so expect a long walk from Sanssouci Palace. The gardens are most enjoyable in spring, summer and autumn.
The Chinese House, a tea pavilion in the park, has gilded figures that play music. The university library building beside the palace is also worth a look.
The Potsdam Conference of 1945 was held at Cecilienhof Palace in the New Garden, not at the New Palace.
FAQ
Is there an entry fee?
Admission has been listed at 8 euros, including the guided tour. Check the official Sanssouci website for current prices before you go.
Are the tours in English?
The guided tours are mainly in German, but the guide answers questions in English. An audio guide is available in eight languages.
How long do you need at the New Palace?
The guided tour of the interior takes about an hour. Allow more time if you want to walk around the park and gardens.
Is the New Palace open in winter?
Yes. The New Palace remains open in winter, when most palaces in Potsdam are closed.
Is the New Palace wheelchair accessible?
The entrance is wheelchair accessible, and the parking lot has wheelchair access too.
