Wilhelmshöhe Palace:
A magnificent residence filled with artistic treasures

Simply picturesque: this is how Wilhelmshöhe Palace, situated in the Bergpark, presents itself. Landgrave Wilhelm IX had the palace built at the end of the 18th century according to plans by the architect Simon Louis Du Ry. While romantic walks can be enjoyed in the fairytale park surrounding the castle, the interior of the palace is equally "picturesque". Once the residence of the Hessian Landgraves, the museum now houses one of the most important collections of paintings in Germany. Outstanding artistic treasures from the distant past can be discovered in the Collection of Antiquities, where visitors can admire miniature versions of Hercules and the Colosseum. We also offer a "house viewing" with a difference, which allows you to immerse yourself in the fascinating lifestyle of a prince.

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The colourful splendour of past centuries:
Old Masters Picture Gallery

Around 500 works of art and a history spanning more than 500 years: the Old Masters Picture Gallery in Wilhelmshöhe Palace is considered one of the most important collections of its kind and was founded by the art-loving Hessian Landgraves. Spread over three floors, you can admire colourful paintings by the most important European artists from the late Gothic to Classicism periods. There is a special focus on Dutch and Flemish paintings of the 17th century with masterpieces by Rubens, Frans Hals, Van Dyck and Jordaens. Also on display are numerous paintings by Rembrandt - in fact, the Picture Gallery contains one of the largest collections of his work in the world. Other outstanding artists represented in the Picture Gallery include Albrecht Dürer, Titian, Poussin and Murillo.

Age and beauty: The Collection of Antiquities

The Collection of Antiquities offers a vivid impression of how the people of earlier epochs in the Mediterranean region lived their lives and interpreted this period through art. The approximately 800 exhibits not only reflect the Hessian Landgraves' enthusiasm for antiquities through their important works of art, but they also contain a large number of everyday objects. The most famous example of this is the Hercules Monument, created by Landgrave Carl in 1717 - it was inspired by ancient coins depicting the demigod, which are also on display. The way in which you can explore the ancient world in this museum is by no means old fashioned. For example, in the "Romsaal" you can experience parts of the exhibition using augmented reality on the tablets provided. And if you like, you can even get a 3D scan of the Kassel Apollo on your smartphone. It brings antiquity to life in an entirely new way ...

Living like the landgraves: The Weissenstein Wing

A somewhat different kind of “house viewing” awaits you in the south wing of Wilhelmshöhe Palace – the so-called Weissenstein Wing. It offers you the rare opportunity to stroll through the private chambers of a landgravial residence. Originally, this was the location of the ceremonial rooms and private apartments of the landgravial family and their high-ranking guests. The historic chambers still contain many outstanding examples of Louis-Seize (early classicism) and Imperial court furniture and furnishings. A guided tour takes guests through a total of 23 historic palace rooms and gives visitors an exciting insight into court life during the 1800s. Just your style? Then be sure to take a look!

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Prints and Drawings Collection: Every sheet a work of art

More than 60,000 watercolours, pencil sketches, gouaches, copperplate engravings, woodcuts, posters and illustrated books comprise the Prints and Drawings Collection of the Museumslandschaft Hessen Kassel, which is also housed in Wilhelmshöhe Palace. The collection includes numerous historical treasures, such as originals by Albrecht Dürer and many works of modern art, including drawings and prints by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner and other informal artists. Most of the works on paper are sensitive to light and are therefore only displayed for short periods as part of special exhibitions. If you contact us by phone, you can arrange to view the works in the study room of the Prints and Drawings Department - or even digitally.

Guided tours and tickets:
Experience Wow! moments at Wilhelmshöhe Palace and Park

The guided tours of Wilhelmshöhe Palace offer exciting stories and interesting information about the works of art found in the collection of paintings and antiquities. We also have various events that offer specially selected tours within a unique setting. For example, the "Art Breakfast" invites you to enjoy art with all your senses. Here's our tip if you want to explore several Bergpark attractions in one day: With the 4-in-1 day ticket from the Museumslandschaft Hessen Kassel, you can visit Wilhelmshöhe Palace, Löwenburg Castle, Hercules (1st April-31st October) and the Greenhouse (1st November-31st March) for a particularly low price. All visitor information can be found at museum-kassel.de.

Wilhelmshöhe Palace: A magnificent residence filled with artistic treasures