Neues Palais Arnstadt

Baroque residence and unique doll museum

The magnificent Neue Palais - a baroque town palace built between 1729 and 1734 by Prince Günther I von Schwarzburg-Sondershausen as a palace for his wife Elisabeth Albertine - stands in the heart of Arnstadt. Just a few steps away from the ruins of Neideck Castle, the castle gardens, the town hall and the Bach Church, it is a cultural highlight for visitors who want to experience history up close.

A fascinating miniature world: the doll town “Mon Plaisir”

A true masterpiece of craftsmanship awaits you with the “Mon Plaisir” doll collection, the only one of its kind in the world. In this detailed miniature town from the 18th century, created by Princess Auguste Dorothea von Schwarzburg-Arnstadt, the life of a baroque residential town unfolds with fascinating precision. From magnificent aristocratic houses to lively market scenes and ornate workshops - the doll town brings history to life.

Musical heritage: Johann Sebastian Bach in Arnstadt

The Bach exhibition in the castle museum is a special highlight for music lovers. Johann Sebastian Bach spent formative years in Arnstadt between 1703 and 1707. Here you can marvel at the original organ console at which the young Bach played - an attraction for classical music enthusiasts from all over the world.

Baroque living culture and art treasures

The three-winged palace is impressive with its preserved Baroque room settings. In particular the princely suite on the southern Beletage offers an authentic insight into 18th century life. The highlights include:

The Mirror and Porcelain Cabinet - a collection of almost a thousand precious porcelains from East Asia and Europe, artfully arranged on gilded consoles.
Flemish tapestries - including the world-famous tapestry “Affen beim Schmaus im Walde” from the 16th century.
The reconstructed picture cabinet and the restored banqueting hall - magnificent testimonies to princely living culture that reflect the splendor of times gone by.
A remarkable collection of baroque glass goblets and faience - handmade works of art that illustrate the high level of craftsmanship of the era.