New Palace, Potsdam

The New Palace (Neues Palais) in Potsdam is an 18th-century royal palace at the western edge of Sanssouci Park, constructed as a grand demonstration of Prussian power. Its construction under Frederick the Great dates to the 1760s.

Visitors see opulent state rooms, large ceremonial halls and richly decorated interiors that showcase Baroque and Rococo tastes. The palace exterior features sculptural groups, long façades and formal courtyards that are integral to tours.

Commissioned by Frederick II after the Seven Years’ War, the palace was built between 1763 and 1769 to provide state apartments and reception rooms for visiting dignitaries and court functions. It later served various royal and state uses and survived as part of Potsdam’s palace ensemble.

Located in the city of Potsdam in Brandenburg, the New Palace sits at the western end of Sanssouci Park, roughly 25 kilometres southwest of central Berlin and within the parklands that include Sanssouci and other royal estates.

• Construction and patron: Built by Frederick II (Frederick the Great) between 1763 and 1769 as a grand showpiece at the western end of Sanssouci Park.
• Park setting and visit planning: Sits within Sanssouci Park and is visually prominent from the palace grounds; visitors often combine a palace tour with a walk through the surrounding park and gardens.

What to See #

• Marble Hall: A large ceremonial state room with elaborate marble and gilded decoration that served as the palace's principal reception space.
• State apartments and ceremonial rooms: A suite of formal state apartments and ceremonial rooms richly decorated in Baroque and Rococo style, used for court functions and representations in the 18th century.