Schönhausen Palace

Schönhausen is unique among the landmarks in Berlin, because the Baroque palace has remained standing despite often serving as the stage for important events in German history and politics.

Magnificent rooms with beautiful interiors

In the 18th century, the palace’s appearance was influenced by Queen Elisabeth Christine, wife of Frederick the Great, who cultivated an elegant court life at Schönhausen.

The impressive room furnishings of the former summer have been largely preserved. The monarch's living and representation rooms contain valuable wallpaper and precious furnishings. The richly stuccoed ballroom on the first floor is particularly impressive. This is the only room creation of the late rococo period in Berlin that has been preserved in its original state.

Schönhausen Palace: A scene of German history 

During the National Socialist era, the palace was used as a central depot for so-called "degenerate art". Several thousand confiscated works of art were stored here and subsequently sold abroad.

After the end of the Second World War, Schönhausen became the focus of the Cold War in the young GDR. At the time of the fall of the Berlin Wall, it once again played an important historical role as a negotiating venue for the "Two-plus-Four Talks" on the reunification of the two German states. 

The palace exhibition takes visitors on a tour of three centuries of German history that’s full of many contrasts. In addition to precious Baroque interiors such as the lavishly restored garden room and the spacious staircase, the palace also has some rooms authentically furnished as they were in the Communist era.