Peacock Island Dairy

Pastoral Pleasures

Closed until further notice

At the end of the 18th century, Jean Jacques Rousseau’s call to “return to nature” inspired European nobility to construct mock farms where they could enact their notions of the “simple country life“ in staged surroundings. In Prussia it was King Frederick William II and his mistress, the Countess Lichtenau, who dreamt up a pastoral hideaway on Peacock Island, far removed from courtly etiquette, with its very own dairy where they could milk and savor the sweet milk of their well-kept cows.

Built from 1794–95, the same time as the Peacock Island House, the Dairy’s exterior was designed to resemble a monastery gone to ruin. The ground floor accommodated the cows that the royal highnesses milked themselves. Thereafter they proceeded to the whey room, where today’s visitors can view the churn used by Countess Lichtenau to beat the cream to butter. Wooden butter molds with the peacock motif also still survive.

The double door on the upper floor opens onto the Gothic Hall. Its magnificent décor has an even more overwhelming effect when visited after having enjoyed the pastoral simplicity of the surrounding areas before reaching this room. Created by renowned artists, it is a masterpiece of early neo-Gothic interior design that is unparalleled in the Berlin-Potsdam region.

Other showpieces from the original interior decoration are the Bohemian crystal chandelier and a table made of oriental agate with carved snake feet.

The exhibition in the dairy farmer’s former living quarters on the ground floor documents Peacock Island’s various phases of redesign. A game of skittles and Russian slide, which was a favorite pastime of the royals during the 19th century, are also on display.

Address

Dairy on Peacock Island [Meierei auf der Pfaueninsel]
Nikolskoer Weg
14109 Berlin

How to get there

Public Transportation

Stop "Pfaueninsel (Berlin)"

vbb-online | Timetable information »

Parking

Parking is available on Nikolskoerweg

Contact

SPSG | Visitor Information
Visitor Centre Historic Windmill in Sanssouci Park
An der Orangerie 1
14469 Potsdam
Closed Mondays

Visitor Centre New Palace in Sanssouci Park
Am Neuen Palais 3
14469 Potsdam
Closed Tuedays
info@spsg.de
Phone: +49 (0) 331.96 94-200

Accessibility

    Unfortunately, exhibition spaces are not wheelchair accessible.

    Unfortunately, for conservation reasons the use of baby carriages and strollers is not permitted in exhibition spaces.

    Luggage storage

    Please note: No luggage or baggage may be left in the entrance area of the palace for security and safety reasons.
    Unfortunately, there are no facilities for storing larger pieces of luggage or similar baggage on the premises of this historical site. We appreciate your understanding.

    Publication

    Impressions