Charlottenburg Palace is – with the Old Palace and the New Wing – the largest and most significant palace complex in Berlin stemming from the former Brandenburg electors, Prussian kings and German emperors. It was among the favorite retreats of seven generations of Hohenzollern rulers, who repeatedly redesigned individual rooms with luxurious interior décor while also having sections of the gardens transformed into royal grandeur.

Today, the shifting tastes of the palace’s many residents and the changing requirements for ceremonial and private use can be traced from the Baroque period to the early 20th century. Following severe damage in World War II, the palace was largely rebuilt and refurnished. The former summer residence is now one of the most important attractions in the German capital.

The palace offers interiors and halls whose arrangements are faithful to the originals, impressive suites and exceptional art collections of outstanding masterpieces. The Porcelain Cabinet, the Palace Chapel ans the bedchamber of Frederick I are among the highlights of the magnificent Baroque parade apartments in the Old Palace that had been built in 1700 with its crowning towers. This construction of the central structure of the large palace complex was commissioned by the clever and art-loving Queen Sophia Charlotte and her husband Frederick I.

A compact guide to the palace gardens and their buildings may be ordered here.