Frederick the Great wanted Asia in Brandenburg —and that’s exactly what you’ll experience today. Right in the heart of Potsdam, between the New Palace and Sanssouci Palace, the Chinese House in Sanssouci Park awaits you with its beautiful rose garden.
This historic 18th-century tea pavilion combines Prussian splendor with Far Eastern romance. If your journey isn’t headed for “Prussian China” but rather to the stars, then why not stop by this concert?
The Chinese House: Far Eastern Illusions for the King of Prussia
Between 1755 and 1764, the king had this whimsical masterpiece built. What was considered the pinnacle of so-called Chinoiserie at the time remains a major eye-catcher to this day. The architecture is a wild mix of European Rococo and East Asian architectural styles.
All around the cloverleaf-shaped pavilion, life-size, fully gilded figures sit on the steps. They are enjoying tea, chatting, or playing exotic instruments. A bizarre but quite fascinating spectacle.
Porcelain and Ceiling Magic
The interior is equally magnificent. Adorning the walls is an impressive collection of the finest porcelain pieces, which were often more valuable than gold in Prussia. If you look up, you’ll be surprised by a massive ceiling painting. Thanks to a clever optical illusion, the room appears to open up toward the ceiling.
In this setting, the aristocracy of the time celebrated their exclusive, intimate gatherings over a fresh cup of tea.
Here’s how to get to this gem
🚗 By car, take the A115 to Potsdam and head for the paid visitor parking lot at the Historic Mill.
🚇 By public transit, take the RE1 to Potsdam Hauptbahnhof and from there take bus 695 to the Schloss Sanssouci stop.
📍 Am Grünen Gitter, 14469 Potsdam (Sanssouci Park)
📆 Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. (closed Mondays)
⏳ Approx. 30–45 minutes for the tour
💵 4 euros (regular price; admission to the park itself is free)
ℹ️ More info
