The New Palace is perched at the western end of the Sanssouci park grounds. Here, you’ll find massive halls, countless sandstone statues, and magnificent colonnades. And it’s worth delving into the site’s history before your visit, because this is where German history meets true tragedy.
In this article, we’ll revealwhy the palace’s name wasbriefly in jeopardy and what makes this ostentatious structure so special. And if you’re in the mood for more fairy-tale experiences, be sure to check out this event.
The New Palace in Potsdam: Frederick’s Most Expensive “Show of Splendor”
Frederick the Great had the New Palace builtstarting in 1763, following the end of the Seven Years’ War. He called the building his “fanfaronnade” (French for “boasting”). His intention was to show that, despite the long war, the Prussian treasury was still brimming with wealth.
The result was a gigantic palace that wasn’t intended for him personally, but rather as a guest palace for high-ranking visitors and celebrations. Here, you’ll wander through endless hallways and discover rooms brimming with gold, velvet, and elaborate ceiling paintings.
“Friedrichskron Palace”: A Dying Emperor and His Desperate Wish
In 1888, the gravely ill Emperor Frederick III had himself taken to the New Palace to die in his birthplace. The monarch had been in office for only 99 days and had been unable to push through his many liberal reforms, which he had planned his entire life.
He desperately wanted to leave his mark on something, to leave something behind. So he renamed his beloved birthplace “Schloss Friedrichskron.” Officially, this was a tribute to the builder, Frederick the Great. In reality, it was a final, desperate cry
After his father’s death , his successor, Emperor Wilhelm II, reversed the name change. Out of deep aversion to the liberal “99-Day Emperor,” Wilhelm restored the building’s original name, Neues Palais. The imperial widow was deeply offended.
Marble, seashells, and 400 stone guardians
Even from a distance , you’ll notice the roughly 400 statues lining the roof and facades. At the rear, the curved colonnades of the so-called “Communs”—which formerly served as outbuildings and servants’ quarters—are particularly impressive.
Inside, the Grotto Hall will leave you speechless: The walls are covered from top to bottom with shells, glass, and minerals, creating the effect of a sparkling underwater world. There’s also an on-site theater as well as many magnificent and opulent halls.
🚗 You can easily reach the grounds by car via the B2 and B273; paid parking is available right at the visitor center.
🚇 By public transit, take the regional train to the Potsdam Park Sanssouci station and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the park for the last few meters.
📍 Am Neuen Palais, 14469 Potsdam
📆 Wednesday through Monday, 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m. (until 4:30 p.m. in winter), closed on Tuesday
⏳ Approx. 75–120 minutes
💵 On-site: Grand Tour €14 (reduced €10), Online: Sanssouci+ combo ticket €22
ℹ️ More info and tickets
