Baroque splendor: Schloss Ludwigslust reopens after renovation

Schloss Ludwigslust, a magnificent Baroque palace in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, has officially reopened to the public after undergoing years of extensive restoration. The grand reopening celebration on Saturday marked the full unveiling of the palace, including the Golden Hall and the West Wing, which now houses a new permanent exhibition.

“

Silk wallpapers, magnificent chandeliers, golden tableware behind bulletproof glass: The Baroque palace Ludwigslust can finally be experienced in its entirety again after years of restoration and with a new permanent exhibition in the West Wing.

Visitors can now experience the palace in its entirety, featuring silk wallpapers, ornate chandeliers, and gilded tableware displayed behind protective glass. The restoration project, a multi-million euro undertaking, focused on preserving the historical integrity of the palace. The reopening event included a festive celebration with Minister-President Manuela Schwesig cutting a golden ribbon, after which hundreds of eager visitors flocked to the palace, forming queues.

The West Wing, traditionally housing the ladies' parade apartments, underwent significant renovation alongside the central Golden Hall. A particular highlight of the Golden Hall is its gilded papier-mâché ornamentation, a rare material whose restoration presented a unique challenge. The East Wing, where the Duke once resided, had been accessible since 2016 following its initial restoration.

“

The highlight there is the gilded papier-mâché room decoration, the restoration of which was a special challenge due to the rarity of the material.

The new permanent exhibition spans three floors and 25 rooms, offering a detailed look into the courtly life of the 18th and 19th centuries. Among the displayed items are the parade apartment of Princess Alexandrine of Prussia, who married the Hereditary Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin in 1822. Her bedroom, featuring a magnificent bed found in the palace's attic, is a notable highlight.

“

18.3 million euros were invested in the restoration of the West Wing and the historical rooms, according to the information.

Another significant exhibit is the golden coffee and tea service belonging to Grand Duchess Helena Pavlovna, a Russian tsarina's daughter who married into the ducal family. The valuable service, part of her dowry, is a testament to the historical connections and opulence associated with the palace. The restoration of the West Wing and historical rooms alone cost 18.3 million euros, with an additional 1.6 million euros invested in the new exhibition.

“

Her bedroom is one of the highlights. Her magnificent bed was found in the palace's attic and can now be admired back in its place.