Neuhardenberg: Palace, Schinkel Church and Landscape Park

Neuhardenberg is a good choice for a trip focused on palace history, architecture, park design and cultural events. The town offers several distinct ways to explore these themes: the architectural history of Neuhardenberg Palace, the Schinkel Church and its architectural connection to the palace, as well as exhibitions and the Alte Schule village museum.

Palace, Church and Landscape Park

The present-day appearance of Neuhardenberg Palace dates back to its redesign by Prussian architect Karl-Friedrich Schinkel in the early 19th century. The Schinkel Church is also part of the architectural ensemble of Neuhardenberg Palace; its present form was designed by Karl Friedrich Schinkel. Their shared connection to Schinkel links the two buildings while also revealing different aspects of his contribution: the palace’s redesign and the design of the church’s present form.

In 1823, a narrow, open Doric colonnade was added to the east side of the church as the burial place of the State Chancellor, based on a design by Schinkel. The church’s history therefore includes not only its design but also the location and function of this structure. The colonnade is a distinct aspect of the ensemble as a specific architectural addition.

The landscape park at Neuhardenberg Palace is closely connected to the palace grounds. It was laid out according to plans by Peter Joseph Lenné, by Hermann Prince von Pückler-Muskau and John Adey Repton. As you walk through the landscape park, you will repeatedly find sightlines opening onto the palace building and other focal points and landscape markers. While the building’s history focuses on names and design phases, the park’s impression is shaped by these recurring views along the walk.

Exhibitions and Local History

The permanent exhibition “Neuhardenberg Palace: A Site Visit” explores the history of the palace, the von Hardenberg family and the town. It features information panels, media installations with films and interviews with contemporary witnesses, as well as selected exhibits. These different presentation formats give the exhibition its own focus alongside the buildings and the park. Check the visitor information before your visit for the latest opening details.

The Alte Schule village museum is housed in a Prussian school building constructed around 1905. The museum’s location connects your visit with a historic building other than the palace: the schoolhouse’s architectural history forms part of the setting for the visit. In this way, the palace’s history is complemented by a look at a historic school building, while each place retains its own distinct story.

The annual Bollenfüßlerfest, a festival organized by a local association, offers another way to experience local history. Stories about village history are shared over wine and hand-knitted socks. If you would like to include the festival in your trip, check the specific event date in advance; its annual tradition does not provide the date for any given year.

Cultural Programme and Dates

The Neuhardenberg Palace Foundation organizes a programme of concerts, readings, theatre, discussions and exhibitions; individual events vary. The Foundation also hosts concerts in the Schinkel Church in particular. This offers a way to explore the area through a specific cultural event as well as its architectural and local history. If you would like to plan your trip around an event, check the Foundation’s calendar for the relevant dates.

Discover more destinations: Bleyen-Genschmar, Petershagen/Eggersdorf, Lebus, Diedersdorf, Georgenthal, Treplin, Bad Freienwalde, Oberbarnim.

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