It's already dusk, but Weikersheim Palace is bathed in a golden glow. The cover photo of the new issue of Schlösser magazine reminds readers of the fact that in November the mystical night will once again attract visitors to the Weikersheim Palace Gardens and the former residential palace in Germany's Hohenlohe region. There will be fascinating guided tours at night and demonstrations by jugglers and acrobats.
But by day as well, there is plenty to discover at Weikersheim palace. For example, the former bedchamber of Count Carl Ludwig in the Langenburg Building (Langenburger Bau), which was recently reopened to the public. And with it the apartments on the third floor of the Palace Museum have again assumed their original order. This was the final step in a comprehensive restoration which included the roof and other structural repair measures. Efforts to refurnish the rooms of the museum were begun back in 2008, and only the former bedchamber of the Count still awaited completion.
Anyone who visits the palace should be sure to make a side-trip to the Hall of Knights (Rittersaal) to view the large, impressive Baroque clock from 1747. It is a technological wonder and an example of an original, functional clock with a so-called "verge escapement".
It will be spring 2012 before Meersburg Palace reopens. The floors of the building and the palace terrace will then also be suitable for barrier-free visits by the handicapped. There will be a café, the situation at the entrance will be improved and revolving exhibitions are planned. The Beletage (principle floor) will provide a broad range of information on the palace and its residents. The responsible curator divulges interesting facts in an interview. – Another article in this issue covers the passion of the Prince Bishops of Konstanz for playing games. They entertained their guests with the parlor games popular in the 18th century. These included checkers, tarot and billiards. The latter is depicted in a stucco relief in the palace.
In our series on "Kabinette" (small exhibition rooms) in Baroque palaces, this time we present the former library cabinet (Bibliothekskabinett) of Electress Elisabeth Auguste of the Palatinate at Mannheim Palace. It was built between 1755 and 1757 and is the only area of the large palace complex in which the ceiling and wall paneling has largely survived the destruction of World War II. The carvings on the walls and ceiling and the paintings were restored beginning in 1952. For conservation reasons, the small room may no longer be entered today. However, it can be viewed through two narrow side doors of a mirrored cabinet.
Carl Philipp of the Palatinate, the builder of Mannheim palace, was born 350 years ago. The stations of his life of 81 years – from Governor to Elector – are elucidated in a theme week which will take place from 4 to 12 November at Mannheim Palace. The portrait of the sovereign in the new issue of Schlösser magazine also presents Carl Phillip's women and his family.
The traveling exhibition entitled "Das stille Örtchen – Tabu und Reinlichkeit bey Hofe" (The John – Taboo and Cleanliness at Court) conceived by the State Palaces and Gardens will run from 21 October 2011 to 19 February 2012 at Schwetzingen Palace. In this issue we describe an exhibit from the exhibition in greater detail, namely the commode of Elector Carl Theodor of the Palatinate. This unadorned piece of furniture made of fir wood has been a documented piece of the so-called "retirade" (toilet) of the Bath House (Badhaus) in the Schwetzingen Palace Gardens since 1775. There it was discretely hidden behind a concealed door.
There is no record of what the lords of Wäscherschloss Castle thought about cleanliness. The trip tip takes readers to these historic walls, where the Middle Ages live on today. In addition to a wealth of other interesting topics, the current issue also contains tips on upcoming events and information on special guided tours. By the way, a detailed, continually updated calendar of events can also be called up at this homepage.
The issue is available here in German only.