Ludwigsburg Palace is a magnificent estate, comprising of an immense palace complex and sprawling gardens. Explore the sumptuous interiors of this historic palace and discover its collection of museums and exhibitions. Learn about the royal court of Württemberg and experience a timeline of architectural styles, from Baroque to Rococo and neoclassical.
Approaching the historical building, you will be astounded at its sheer size and symmetry. A former hunting lodge in the early 18th century, the palace complex grew to encompass four main wings enclosing a spacious courtyard. The building’s construction was completed in 1733, when it was the residential palace of the dukes of Württemberg. Enter the magnificent building and begin your tour of its lavishly furnished and decorated rooms.
Discover the Baroque styling of the Old Main Building and the Court Chapel. Find Rococo finesse in the Duke’s Private Suite and the New Main Building. The mesmerizing Marble Hall is a beautiful example of Empire-style design, with its ornate arched windows, golden chandelier and sky-mural ceiling. See one of Europe’s oldest theaters at the beautifully preserved Palace Theater.
Explore the palace’s galleries and museums. The Ceramics Museum has an extensive collection of fine porcelain and pottery, while the Fashion Museum focuses on apparel dating back to the 18th century. Check out the original luxurious décor of one of the castle’s esteemed dukes and head to the Baroque Gallery to see a collection of artworks by period artists. The palace has a special museum for children, where kids can learn about the historic court through interactive exhibits and dress-up fun.
Kids will also love the special fairy-tale garden within the extensive palace grounds. Pretty gardens known as the Blühendes Barock surround the palace on three sides and Baroque features are incorporated into the landscape’s design.
Ludwigsburg Palace is located about 10 miles (15 kilometers) north of Stuttgart’s city center. The palace is about a 20-minute walk from the Ludwigsburg train station and the site is also accessible by bus. The palace may only be viewed as part of a guided tour. English-language tours run at least twice a day. The palace is open daily, but the museums have a regular closure on Mondays.
