The Schloss Wilhelmshoehe is a majestic castle of neoclassical design that was constructed in the early 1800s for Wilhelm I. It contains the Gallery of the Old Masters, a graphic arts collection and an array of antiquities. Photograph the building with its imposing columns that decorate the front and hold up the vast pediment at the center of the palace.
Admire the clusters of lush trees that rise on hills behind the enormous palace. Enjoy the serenity as you stroll along the paths that run through the landscape garden in front of the building. See it in the evening, when its pillars are illuminated in artificial light.
Enter the building and browse the works of art displayed in the Gallery of the Old Masters. It has roughly 500 paintings spread across three floors, including special works by Rubens and Van Dyck. Take a look through one of the world’s largest collections of Rembrandt works, including the acclaimed painting The Blessing of Jacob.
Make your way to the antiquities section to view a range of artifacts excavated from the Mediterranean region. See Egyptian, Greek and Roman relics among other cultures from centuries ago. Another intriguing part of the palace is the graphics collection, where you’ll find countless pencil sketches and watercolors. Call ahead to book a tour of the graphics section, whose art pieces are sensitive to light.
Get a sense of the sheer size of the building with a trip to the library and the separate ballroom building, the Ballhaus. This structure served as the summer residence of Emperor Wilhelm II. Relax with snacks and refreshments in the museum’s Café Jérôme, which is located in the basement.
The site opens Tuesday through Sunday from morning until late afternoon. There is a fee to enter entrance is free for those under 18.
The Schloss Wilhelmshoehe is in the magnificent Bergpark Wilhelmshoehe overlooking the city of Kassel from its western suburbs. Ride the tram to a nearby stop and walk through the park to find the castle. Visit other sights in the area, such as Neptungrotte, Loewenburg Castle and the Hercules monument.
