Prinzenpalais

The Prinzenpalais in Oldenburg, Lower Saxony, Germany, is a gem of neoclassical architecture and a treasure trove of cultural history. Originally built as a residence for the grandsons of Duke Peter Friedrich Ludwig, the Prinzenpalais has evolved over the centuries, transforming from a royal abode to a museum that now houses the Galerie Neue Meister, part of the State Museum for Art and Cultural History Oldenburg. This elegant building stands proudly opposite the Oldenburg Castle, offering visitors a glimpse into the artistic and historical heritage of the region.

The History of Prinzenpalais

In June 1821, Duke Peter Friedrich Ludwig commissioned the construction of the Prinzenpalais as a fitting residence for his orphaned grandsons, the Russian princes Alexander and Peter. The project was entrusted to court architect Heinrich Carl Slevogt, a pupil of the renowned Karl Friedrich Schinkel. By 1826, a two-story neoclassical building had risen, characterized by its symmetrical design and stately elegance. However, the princes only resided in the palace for a brief period. After the deaths of their grandfather and Prince Alexander in 1829, Prince Peter left Oldenburg and returned to St. Petersburg.

The building saw significant changes in the mid-19th century when Grand Duke Nikolaus Friedrich Peter took over the palace upon his ascension to the throne in 1852. Between 1860 and 1862, architect Carl Boos expanded the structure with a new wing containing a grand ballroom. Further modifications were made by architect Heinrich Strack between 1865 and 1867, resulting in the three-winged layout we see today. The Grand Duke resided in the Prinzenpalais until his death in 1900.

At the rear of the palace, hidden from the main road, was a picturesque garden designed in the style of an English landscape garden, likely by court gardener Julius Friedrich Wilhelm Bosse. This garden, with its winding paths and evergreen shrubs, provided a tranquil retreat for winter strolls. Inside, the rooms were decorated in a historicist style, befitting the princely lifestyle of the time.

From Royal Residence to Public Museum

Over the decades, the Prinzenpalais has served various purposes. During World War I, from 1914 to 1919, it was used as a military hospital for wounded soldiers. After the war, it became a school, the present-day Alte Gymnasium. During World War II, the palace housed several youth organizations. From 1946 to 1959, it was home to the Graf-Anton-Günther-Schule, and starting in 1961, it served as the office for the cadastral survey department for forty years.

The numerous interim uses of the building led to a variety of alterations and modifications. However, thanks to historical plans and photographs taken by court photographer Franz Titzenthaler in 1890/91, the Prinzenpalais underwent extensive renovations to restore its original layout and grandeur.

The Galerie Neue Meister

Since 2003, the Prinzenpalais has been open to the public as a museum. It is now part of the State Museum for Art and Cultural History Oldenburg, showcasing art from the 19th and 20th centuries, along with rotating special exhibitions. The two-story exhibition space vividly illustrates the development of visual arts in Germany, from Romanticism to post-war German art.

The collection boasts significant works from the Worpswede artists' colony, including paintings by all founding members and notable pieces by Paula Modersohn-Becker. German Impressionists such as Max Liebermann, Max Slevogt, and Lovis Corinth are well-represented, with excellent examples of their work. The gallery also features an early landscape by Max Beckmann, painted on the island of Wangerooge.

A highlight of the collection is the room dedicated to the Brücke artists Karl Schmidt-Rottluff and Erich Heckel, showcasing works from their stays in Dangast. Visitors can also admire pieces by other Expressionists and Brücke members like Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Emil Nolde, Max Pechstein, and Otto Mueller. Additionally, the Prinzenpalais houses the most significant public collection of works by the Dangast painter Franz Radziwill in Germany.

Post-1945 art is represented by works from Ernst Wilhelm Nay, Wolf Vostell, and Richard Oelze, while pieces by Bernhard Heisig, Walter Libuda, and Volker Stelzmann highlight art from East Germany in the 1980s.

In conclusion, the Prinzenpalais is not just a historic building but a vibrant cultural institution that offers a rich tapestry of art and history. Whether you're an art enthusiast, a history buff, or simply a curious traveler, a visit to the Prinzenpalais promises a fascinating journey through time and creativity in the heart of Oldenburg.