Schwerin Castle
Sometimes it is described as a fairytale castle, sometimes as the most beautiful federal state parliament building: The landmark of the state capital of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is located picturesquely on a little island in Schwerin Lake. The castle belongs to the most significant buildings of European historicism, as it was given its present shape during the 19th century. Where the dukes of Mecklenburg formerly resided, the federal state parliament of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and its parliamentary groups work today.
Nevertheless, the castle is open to visitors. In the former living quarters and lounges of the grand duchess, 18th and 19th century art is exhibited. The porcelain collection in the children’s room of the ducal family is something special: It focuses on Meissen porcelain. Some items date back to the beginning of the porcelain manufacture in the 18th century. The splendid throne room is certainly the most beautiful room of the banqueting floor. On the same floor there is also the gallery of ancestral portraits. Those 31 portraits show the dukes of Mecklenburg in a complete sequence from the middle of the 14th century until the beginning of the 19th century.
The castle is situated right in the middle of the so-called castle garden. This garden was designed according to the style of English landscaping architecture. Between old plane trees and an artificial grotto there is an orangerie. It was restored lavishly during recent years and is now hosting a café.
Leaving the castle island heading south over the historical swing bridge, you will arrive on the castle grounds. The basic structure of this park is baroque; however, it was redesigned several times until the 19th century. The main element is a canal shaped like a double cross. Statues by the sculptor Balthasar Permoser flank the cross-shaped canal. Some of them symbolise the four seasons, others represent antique gods.
Further information is available under:
Address
Staatliches Museum Schwerin
Schlossmuseum Schwerin
Lennéstr. 1
19053 Schwerin
Phone: 0385-5252920
Fax: 0385-563091
Opening time
15 April to 14 October
Daily: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
15 October to 14 April
Tuesday to Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission
Adults: € 6
Reduced price: € 4
Families: € 10