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Palace · Potsdam, Brandemburgo
Neues Palais
Monumental Baroque palace on the western edge of the Park Sanssouci, built by Frederick the Great after the Seven Years' War. It has the Grottensaal and a theatre.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Neues Palais
The Neues Palais, "New Palace", closes the main avenue of the Park Sanssouci on the western side. Frederick the Great had it built between 1763 and 1769, shortly after the Seven Years' War, to show that Prussia remained strong. The king himself called the project a fanfaronnade, an ostentation, and the contrast with the small Sanssouci is clear: three wings, over 200 rooms and a tall dome visible from afar.
Inside, the highlight is the Grottensaal, the Grotto Hall, with walls covered in shells, minerals and stones that sparkle in the light. Also notable are the Marmorsaal, a large marble hall used for festivities, and the palace theatre, in Rococo style, still used for performances.
Later the palace became the preferred residence of Emperor Wilhelm II until the end of the monarchy in 1918. Behind it are the Communs, two service buildings with staircases and colonnades, now occupied by the University of Potsdam.
The palace is part of the Potsdam ensemble inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990. Because it stands on the side opposite Sanssouci, it usually has fewer visitors, which makes the visit more peaceful.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About an hour and a half for the interior visit, plus time to see the façade and the Communs.
Best time
Any time of year, since the visit is indoors. The palace is usually closed on Tuesdays and open on Mondays, when Sanssouci is closed: a good option for visitors to Potsdam on a Monday. Check the opening times before you go.
How to get there
The regional train station Potsdam Park Sanssouci is a few minutes' walk away. From Potsdam Hauptbahnhof, buses run to the Neues Palais stop. You can also reach it on foot along the park's main avenue, starting from Sanssouci.
Tip
If you plan to see Sanssouci and the Neues Palais on the same day, the combined ticket for the Potsdam palaces is worth it, as it allows you to book timed entries for both. Start at one and walk across the park to the other.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Neues Palais
What is the difference between Sanssouci and the Neues Palais?
Sanssouci is the small summer palace where Frederico, o Grande, lived; the Neues Palais is a huge palace built to host and impress. They stand at opposite ends of the same park.
On which day is the Neues Palais closed?
It usually closes on Tuesdays and is open on Mondays. Check before you go, because schedules may change on holidays.
Is the Grotto Hall open to visitors?
Yes, the Grottensaal is part of the palace visit route after a long period of restoration.