Herrenhausen Palace, a former royal summer residence of the House of Hanover, stands as the centerpiece of the magnificent Herrenhausen Gardens in Hannover, Germany. This stunning baroque palace, with its intricate architecture and rich history, is a must-visit destination for families exploring the region. The palace and surrounding gardens offer a unique blend of history, culture, and family-friendly activities, making it an ideal spot for a day trip or a longer stay.
Highlights
- Herrenhausen Palace: A stunning example of baroque architecture and a former royal summer residence.
- Herrenhausen Gardens: Extensive baroque and later gardens surrounding the palace, featuring the Großer Garten, Berggarten, Georgengarten, and Welfengarten.
- Museum Schloss Herrenhausen: Housed within the palace, this museum showcases exhibitions and events sponsored by the Volkswagen Foundation.
Contents
Photo: schloss-herrenhausen.de
Here is Why Your Kids Will Find it Interesting
Herrenhausen Palace is worth visiting with kids aged 6 and above. The palace's rich history, beautiful gardens, and interactive museum exhibits provide young visitors with a fun and educational experience. Children can explore the palace's rooms, learn about the lives of past royals, and enjoy the whimsical fountains and sculptures in the gardens.
Family-friendly features
- Herrenhausen Gardens: The extensive gardens surrounding the palace offer plenty of space for children to explore and play.
- Fountains and sculptures: The gardens feature whimsical fountains and statues that captivate children's imaginations.
- Interactive museum exhibits: The Museum Schloss Herrenhausen offers interactive exhibits that engage children and make learning about history fun.
The Palace and Its Gardens
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Herrenhausen Palace boasts stunning baroque architecture that has evolved. The palace is surrounded by extensive baroque and later gardens, including the Großer Garten, Berggarten, Georgengarten, and Welfengarten. The Großer Garten features a grand fountain and a maze, while the Berggarten houses a collection of rare plants and a greenhouse. The Georgengarten and Welfengarten offer peaceful walks and beautiful landscapes.
History of the Palace
Photo: visit-hannover.com
Herrenhausen Palace has a rich history dating back to the 17th century. Originally a manor house built in 1640, the building was enlarged in phases from 1676 and served as a summer retreat for the House of Hanover.
In 1683, Sophia of Hanover commissioned the French gardener Martin Charbonnier to enlarge the garden like Versailles, forming the 50-hectare "Großer Garten". Her husband, Ernest Augustus, Elector of Brunswick-Lüneburg, planned to replace the palace with a large baroque palace and began construction with the "Galerie."
Their son, George Louis, who later became King George I of Great Britain, gave up the palace building project and instead focused on adding water features to the garden. The next elector, George II of Great Britain, planned again for a new palace in better proportion with the "Großer Garten" but never realized it.
In the 18th century, George III of Great Britain had Georg Ludwig Friedrich Laves modernize the palace in a neoclassical style. The neoclassical façade designed by Laves was preserved during the palace's reconstruction in the 21st century.
During World War II, Herrenhausen Palace was destroyed in a bombing raid by the Royal Air Force on October 18, 1943. The main building of the Baroque palace burned down completely, leaving only the façade standing.
After the war, the decision was made to rebuild the palace, and the reconstruction began. In 2009, the Hamburg-based architectural firm Jastrzembski Kotulla started reconstructing Herrenhausen Palace and restoring it to its former glory. The reconstructed palace finally reopened in 2013.
Today, the reconstructed baroque palace houses the Museum Schloss Herrenhausen, a modern conference center, and exhibition spaces sponsored by the Volkswagen Foundation.
Museum and Exhibitions
Photo: visit-hannover.com
The Museum Schloss Herrenhausen, housed within the reconstructed Herrenhausen Palace, showcases a variety of exhibitions and events that provide insights into the palace's rich history and the lives of its former residents.
The museum's exhibitions are divided into two wings. The east wing focuses on the emergence of the Herrenhäuser summer residence and its significance for the state during the Baroque era, as well as garden design as an expression of Baroque culture. The west wing features changing special exhibitions that delve into exciting themes related to the palace and its history.
One of the museum's notable exhibits is the original bust of Leibniz, the famous philosopher and mathematician, with a copy displayed in the nearby Leibniz Temple. The museum also houses a treasury showcasing precious artifacts from the Baroque period.
The Herrenhausen Palace Museum is sponsored by the Volkswagen Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports science, education, and culture. Through its exhibitions and events, the museum aims to engage visitors and bring the palace's history to life.
The Sea Life Hannover is a short walk from the palace.
Historical Significance
Herrenhausen Palace holds great historical significance. It was the birthplace of King George II of Great Britain and his daughters, the death and burial site of Ernest Augustus, Elector of Brunswick-Lüneburg, and the resting place of King George I of Great Britain and his parents, who were reinterred in the Welfenmausoleum.
Best Time to Visit
Photo: schloss-herrenhausen.de
The best time to visit Herrenhausen Palace with children is during summer when the weather is warm and the gardens fully bloom. The palace and gardens are open daily except Mondays. Visiting in the morning or early afternoon is recommended to avoid crowds and take advantage of the cooler temperatures.
Recommended Duration: A visit to Herrenhausen Palace and its gardens can quickly fill a day, with plenty of time to explore the palace, visit the museum, and enjoy the gardens.
Our Resume
Herrenhausen Palace and its gardens are a must-visit destination for families exploring Hannover and the surrounding region. With its stunning architecture, rich history, and family-friendly features, the palace offers a unique and memorable experience for visitors of all ages. Whether you are interested in history, art, or simply enjoying a beautiful outdoor space, Herrenhausen Palace has something to offer everyone.
