Schloss Köpenick

Köpenick Palace sits on an island in the Dahme River, not far from where it flows into the Spree, and is one of the oldest settlement sites within present-day Berlin. The history of the site goes back to the early nineteenth century, when Slavic fortifications were first built on the island. Over the centuries, the site evolved from a medieval castle into a Renaissance hunting lodge, built by Elector Joachim II in the sixteenth century, and finally into a stately Baroque palace. Under the direction of Dutch and later German architects such as Rutger von Langerfeld and Johann Arnold Nering, the palace took on its present form, with two pavilions and a service wing that also houses the Reformed palace chapel. Especially well known is the Coat of Arms Hall on the second floor, which historically served as a venue for political decisions and court proceedings.

Today the landmarked building is the second home of the Museum of Decorative Arts of the Berlin State Museums. After extensive restoration work that lasted until 2004, the palace presents itself as a showcase of cultural history. The permanent exhibition leads visitors through 21 rooms across three floors and offers a cross-section of interior decorative art from the Renaissance, Baroque, and Rococo periods. Besides the museum treasures, the adjoining palace park is another draw; it was transformed from a historic Baroque garden into a landscape park. With its sculptures and commemorative plaques, the park offers a quiet retreat, and its main path runs along the water, giving you an unobstructed view of the palace façade.

For visitors, a trip to the museum pairs naturally with a stroll through Köpenick's picturesque old town. The island is connected to the mainland by a bridge, and nearby the Lange Brücke leads on to the western districts of the city. In the summer months, the palace courtyard is often used for cultural events and concerts, giving the place a lively atmosphere. In this way, Köpenick Palace combines architectural history, museum exhibits, and park-like relaxation into a varied experience in the south of the capital.