3:00 p.m.

Baroque in the teahouse
The Dresden association “Barock in Dresden e.V.” invites us on a journey back in time to the Baroque era with music, court gossip and dances. Start: 2 p.m. with a chat over coffee | € 11 incl. coffee and cake

10:00 a.m. & 12:00 p.m.

The stolen princes - from legend to summer theater
Guided tour | € 3 plus museum admission

11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. & 3:00 p.m.

Power and splendor - how a residence shaped urban society
Tour of the palace and the palace church.
Guided tour | € 3 plus museum admission

2:00 p.m. & 3:00 p.m.

Upper trumps lower – When playing Skat, you hold the trump cards!
Print your own playing cards in the
card making workshop | € 5

9:00 a.m.

Opening of the 32nd German Pupil and Youth Championship of the German Skat Association e.V.

10:00 a.m. & 12:00 p.m.

The stolen princes - from legend to summer theater
Guided tour | € 3 plus museum admission

11:00 a.m.

Get up! Fit for the revolution
Tae Bo in the Agnesgarten. | € 5

11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. & 3:00 p.m.

Power and splendor - how a residence shaped urban society
Tour of the palace and the palace church.
Guided tour | € 3 plus museum admission

10:00 a.m. & 12:00 p.m.

The stolen princes - from legend to summer theater
Guided tour | € 3 plus museum admission

11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

An emperor, many canons and the remains of an important monastery complex
Tour of the 800-year history of the Red Spires | Meeting point: Red Spires, Berggasse 15, 04600 Altenburg | €5, €10 with combined tower ticket

11:00 a.m.

Get up! Fit for the revolution
Tae Bo in the Agnesgarten. | € 5

11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. & 3:00 p.m.

Power and splendor - how a residence shaped urban society
Tour of the palace and the palace church.
Guided tour | € 3 plus museum admission

2:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m.

Always at your service - On the trail of the staff
Insights into the life of the staff | max. 12 people.
Registration: info@altenburgermuseen.de | Guided tour | € 3 plus museum admission

2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.

The Altenburger Playmobile is a guest in the small castle courtyard.

5:00 p.m.

Cinema of sounds: Richard Strauss meets film music
A concert with cello (Anna Herrmann) and piano (Tommaso Graiff). Works from film music and the Cello Sonata op. 6 by Richard Strauss. Tea house hall. € 10 advance booking

6:30 p.m.

Award ceremony of the 32nd German Pupil and Youth Championship of the German Skat Association e.V.

11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. & 3:00 p.m.

Power and splendor - how a residence shaped urban society
Tour of the palace and the palace church.
Guided tour | € 3 plus museum admission

2:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m.

Fear of the common people?
On a tour of the castle grounds, you will learn how the relationship between the rulers and the people shaped the building history of the castle | € 3 plus museum admission

1:00 p.m.

Conversation with artist Cosima Göpfert and museum director Gabriella Szalay about the exhibition Exquisit Biscuit

2:00 p.m.

Historical bread recipes
Presentation and tasting with cookbook author, restaurateur and show chef Tanya Harding

6:00 p.m.

And won't you dear sun come soon
Scenic anniversary concert to mark 500 years of the Peasants' War with the SospirAtem ensemble. Rittersaal, Burgk Castle | € 18,00, reduced € 15,00, children and pupils free* It's about the commemoration of a war - the Peasants' War. But it's actually about people. SospirAtem is an ensemble based in Leipzig that was founded ten years ago at the local music academy and consists of a harp, recorder, violin and vocals. Shaken up by the unrest and wars on our planet, Ensemble 2025 takes a thoughtful look at the Peasants' War and spans a musical program right into the realities of life in the 21st century. War remains war, always remains war - whether 500 years ago or today in the crisis regions of the world. Not only the voices from the 16th century have their say in the concert, Ukrainian women are also invited to collaborate and report on their experiences. These texts are incorporated into the program in lyrical or prosaic form.

* Reservations by phone +49 3663 / 400 119 or by email to museum@schloss-burgk.de

6:00 p.m.

A little night music
Mozart - Mercadante - Warlock. Serenade concert with the Vogtland Philharmonic Orchestra | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Divertimento in D major KV136 | Saverio Mercadante: Flute Concerto in E minor | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Serenade No. 13 KV 525 “Eine kleine Nachtmusik”. Peter Warlock: Capriol Suite. Knights' Hall, Burgk Castle | € 20

8:00 a.m.

Get up early!
Morning yoga on the orchard meadow, Old Palace | Please bring a mat | free of charge

2:00 p.m.

Summer happiness and gardening pleasure
Public guided tour of the rococo palace and gardens. Meeting point and tickets: Rococo Palace | € 8, children € 2

2:00 p.m.

Charity art auction with paintings, drawings, prints, etc. by Bauhaus artists
Old Palace, Imperial Hall

5:00 p.m.

Chamber concert with the song cycle “Die schöne Müllerin”
by Franz Schubert performed by Julian Freibott, tenor, and Ralph Neubert, grand piano
Old Palace, Knights' Hall | € 25 reduced € 15

* Ticket reservation or advance ticket sales: at Ticketshop and by telephone on +49 361 /227 5227.

8:00 a.m.

Get up early!
Morning yoga on the orchard meadow, Old Palace | Please bring a mat | free of charge

2:00 p.m.

Summer happiness and gardening pleasure
Public guided tour of the rococo palace and gardens. Meeting point and tickets: Rococo Palace | € 8, children € 2

5:00 p.m.

Listed! Reigns and popular uprisings.
Improvisational theater on the history of Dornburg (Croatian overthrow, Weimar state parliament, Bauhaus era, etc.) with David Leubner (Leipzig). Rococo castle, ballroom | 5,55 € | Reservation: +49 36427 / 215 131

Bitte beachten Sie, dass aufgrund des 24-Stunden-Laufs rund um das Schloss Friedenstein Straßensperrungen und geänderte Parkmöglichkeiten gelten. Planen Sie Ihre Anreise entsprechend, um Verzögerungen zu vermeiden.

Straßensperrungen
Die Puschkinallee ist vom Freitag, 6. Juni 2025, 9:30 Uhr, bis Sonntag, 8. Juni 2025, ca. 18:00 Uhr, voll gesperrt (ab Abzweig Lindenauallee bis Abzweig Jägerstraße am Schlossplatz).

2:00 p.m.

Scenes of change - From duchy to democracy
Sonderführung in der Jahreshauptausstellung mit der Kuratorin Dr. Sonja Grulke. Erleben Sie eine spannende Zeitreise: Entdecken Sie in der Sonderausstellung Gotha genial?! Geistesblitze & Dauerbrenner aus 1250 Jahren die Schauplätze des Wandels auf Schloss Friedenstein – vom Herzogtum bis zur Demokratie. Erleben Sie Geschichte und erfahren Sie, wie Macht, Politik und Gesellschaft sich durch und in den verschiedenen Epochen in der Residenzstadt Gotha entwickelt haben. Herzogliches Museum Gotha | 8 €, erm. 4 € | Anmeldung: service@friedenstein-stiftung.de

7:00 p.m.

Musical sighs of peace
Concert with Capella Jenensis and works by Moritz von Hessen-Kassel, Heinrich Schütz and contemporaries. With early baroque works for violin, viola da gamba, violone, theorbo and organ, the musically intense concert program takes up the desire for peace, which was intensively set to music after the end of the Thirty Years' War - a theme that is more topical than ever in view of numerous ongoing wars. Works by Johann Heinrich Schmelzer, Andreas Oswald, Johann Nicolai and Adam Drese will be performed, many of which are included in the valuable Gotha manuscript collection “Partiturbuch Ludwig”. The baroque ensemble Capella Jenensis has dedicated itself to the rediscovery of Thuringian music in particular and performs the emotionally moving works of the concert on historical instruments. Grief and joie de vivre were set to music in equal measure by the composers and invite you to enjoy, but also to reflect. Castle Church | € 20, reduced € 15*

* Advance ticket sales: at the box office of the castle museum, at the Ticketshopby telephone +49 3621 /823 4502 or by Email.

Parkmöglichkeiten

Freitag, 6. Juni:

Der Parkplatz am Schloss ist trotz Vollsperrung den ganzen Tag über die Puschkinallee von der Lindenauallee aus erreichbar.

11:00 a.m.

Gotha's dukes - a journey through 300 years of family history(ies)
An entertaining reading in the Residenzschloss that sheds light on the work of the eleven regents from “Bet-Ernst” to Carl Eduard. Learn exciting stories about a noble lady who defied the Prussian king, a prince whose choice of partner was made against his will and a relative who was said to have made a pact with the devil. Castle Museum | € 12, reduced € 6 Registration: service@friedenstein-stiftung.de

2:00 p.m.

Conference of the animals.
Reading for families with artists from Art der Stadt Gotha. Erich Kästner's classic
“The Conference of the Animals” invites us to think together about the world and our responsibility. What happens when animals decide to steer the destiny of humanity? A humorous yet thought-provoking story about friendship, solidarity and hope for a better future | Ekhof-Theater | € 12, reduced € 6

4:00 p.m.

“Who is in charge now?” Power, change and resistance between rule and the people.
A conversation between historical figures and experts from the present. What if the past itself had its say? This extraordinary lecture takes you on an exciting journey into a time of upheaval, in which the balance of power between the rulers and the people was reorganized. Find out how historical events paved the way for new social structures and still have an impact today | Festsaal | € 12, reduced € 6 | Registration: service@friedenstein-stiftung.de

7:00 p.m.

Joyful and sorrowful
Concert with Duo con emozione. Experience a concert full of emotion! The Duo con emozione presents songs, intermezzi and anecdotes by and about Ludwig van Beethoven and his contemporaries with “Freudvoll und Leidvoll”. Immerse yourself in the eventful world of the great composer - sometimes cheerful, sometimes deeply moving. | Ekhof Theater. 35 €, reduced € 27 | € 25, reduced € 19 | € 15, reduced € 12*

* Advance ticket sales: at the box office of the castle museum, at the Ticketshopby telephone +49 3621 /823 4502 or by Email.

Parkmöglichkeiten

Samstag, 7. Juni:

Der Parkplatz am Schloss ist nicht erreichbar.
Bitte nutzen Sie den Parkplatz am Marstall. Von dort aus erreichen Sie die Südseite des Schlosses über eine am Freitag errichtete Fußgängerbrücke.

2:00 p.m.

Ernst the Pious: Departure into a new era - rule as responsibility
Reading with pictures. Do you actually know Ernst the Pious, the builder of Friedenstein Palace? He was not only an important builder, but also shaped Saxony-Gotha into a “model state” after the Thirty Years' War. His reforms in education, administration and the economy set standards throughout Europe. At Friedenstein Palace, you can experience how Ernst understood rule as a responsibility and shaped the lives of his subjects with visionary ideas. Castle Museum | € 12, reduced € 6 Registration: service@friedenstein-stiftung.de

4:00 p.m.

“Who is in charge now?” Power, change and resistance between rule and the people.
A conversation between historical figures and experts from the present. What if the past itself had its say? This extraordinary lecture takes you on an exciting journey into a time of upheaval, in which the balance of power between the rulers and the people was reorganized. Find out how historical events paved the way for new social structures and still have an impact today | Festsaal | € 12, reduced € 6 | Registration: service@friedenstein-stiftung.de

Parkmöglichkeiten

Sonntag, 8. Juni:

Bis ca. 14:00 Uhr nutzen Sie bitte ebenfalls den Parkplatz am Marstall und die Fußgängerbrücke.
Ab ca. 14:00 Uhr ist der Parkplatz am Schloss wieder über die Puschkinallee von der Lindenauallee aus erreichbar.

11:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m.

Scenes of Change - From Duchy to Democracy.
Special guided tour of the main annual exhibition with curator Dr. Sonja Grulke. Ducal Museum Gotha. See Friday | € 8, reduced € 4 Registration: service@friedenstein-stiftung.de

6:00 p.m.

Opening concert with Ralf Dietsch.
The open-air request concert with the Gera guitarist and singer has already become a tradition. The artist's broad repertoire allows him to fulfill almost any musical request from the audience - from rock to chanson. Regular admission

11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

Paper scooping
Offer for children and families. What actually is paper and how is it made? Under supervision, children can create their own sheet of paper, decorate it and help to press and dry it. Recommended for children aged 5 and over. Material costs € 1 per sheet

3:00 p.m.

Capella Jenensis: “In Stile fantastico - from Thuringia to Europe”
In keeping with the ambience of the ballroom, the baroque ensemble Capella Jenensis performs as part of the Thuringian Palace Concerts. The musical journey leads through baroque Europe, as the Rudolstadt court conductor Philipp Heinrich Erlebach (1657-1714) might have undertaken. He further developed the ideas of other composers of his time and is considered a representative of the “Stylus fantasticus” | € 25, pupils, students, trainees € 15 | Booking via Thüringer Ticketshop: www.ticketshop-thueringen.de/thueringer-schlosskonzerte, Tel +49 361 / 227 5227

6:00 p.m.

A little night music
Serenade concert of the Vogtland Philharmonic Orchestra Greiz-Reichenbach. This year's Whit Monday concert in the unique Gartensaal is dedicated to works by Mozart, Mercadante and Warlock. The flute takes center stage as a solo instrument. The “Kleine Nachtmusik” should provide a catchy tune on the way home | € 17 advance booking, € 20 box office

11:00 a.m. & 3:00 p.m.

Where Goethe visited his love, Charlotte von Stein
Guided tours through the castle and castle park and a flying visit to the Liebhabertheater (if possible). | Duration: 90 min. | Meeting point: Kochberg Castle, foyer | € 3, children and young people under 16 years free of charge. plus admission Kochberg Castle: € 5, reduced € 4, pupils (16 - 20 years) € 2

4:30 p.m.

Introduction to the operatic pastiche “In search of the best world”
Liebhabertheater Kochberg Castle

5:00 p.m.

“In search of the best world”
An operatic pastiche about muses, fields and bankruptcy

We are not the only ones to experience times of crisis. The period at the end of the 18th and beginning of the 19th century was characterized by wars, the worst climate catastrophe of recent centuries and the associated economic crises. During this time, Carl von Stein, who had been influenced by Goethe as a child and was active in many artistic fields, transformed the Kochberg estate with courage, energy and inventiveness from 1796 to 1830 into a court of muses with a landscape park and theater and created a total work of art: a unique symbiosis of agriculture/economy, nature and art. We are making this testimony to the art of living, in which we now work in respectful succession, the subject of a specially developed opera pastiche. The texts are based, among other things, on Carl's memoirs and letters. The music is borrowed from 18th and early 19th century composers and musical comedies from Carl's circle. Albert Methfessel composed especially for Carl's Liebhabertheater, where the opera pasticcio can now be experienced. Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

Liebhabertheater Kochberg Castle | € 49 | Reservation: theaterkasse@liebhabertheater.com

11:00 a.m. & 3:00 p.m.

Where Goethe visited his love, Charlotte von Stein
Guided tours through the castle and castle park and a flying visit to the Liebhabertheater (if possible). | Duration: 90 min. | Meeting point: Kochberg Castle, foyer | € 3, children and young people under 16 years free of charge. plus admission Kochberg Castle: € 5, reduced € 4, pupils (16 - 20 years) € 2

4:30 p.m.

Introduction to the operatic pastiche “In search of the best world”
Liebhabertheater Kochberg Castle

5:00 p.m.

“In search of the best world”
An operatic pastiche about muses, fields and bankruptcy

We are not the only ones to experience times of crisis. The period at the end of the 18th and beginning of the 19th century was characterized by wars, the worst climate catastrophe of recent centuries and the associated economic crises. During this time, Carl von Stein, who had been influenced by Goethe as a child and was active in many artistic fields, transformed the Kochberg estate with courage, energy and inventiveness from 1796 to 1830 into a court of muses with a landscape park and theater and created a total work of art: a unique symbiosis of agriculture/economy, nature and art. We are making this testimony to the art of living, in which we now work in respectful succession, the subject of a specially developed opera pastiche. The texts are based, among other things, on Carl's memoirs and letters. The music is borrowed from 18th and early 19th century composers and musical comedies from Carl's circle. Albert Methfessel composed especially for Carl's Liebhabertheater, where the opera pasticcio can now be experienced. Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

Liebhabertheater Kochberg Castle | € 49 | Reservation: theaterkasse@liebhabertheater.com

7:00 p.m.

Piano concert in the Freifrau-Kemenate with Roswitha Lohmer
Mozart: Sonata in F major KV 332 - Schubert: Wanderer Fantasy op. 15; Liszt: Sonata in B minor - Prokofieff: Sonata No. 3 in A minor | Shuttle from Forsthaus parking lot | € 19 advance booking, € 22 box office

1:00 p.m.

Guided cellar tours
free of charge on a donation basis. Registration is requested: max. 25 people

2:30 p.m.

Castles during the Peasants' War
Special guided tours | approx. 60 min. | € 3.50, children € 1 plus admission

all day

Family day
Knight games, sword fights and guided tours for children.

2:30 p.m.

Castles during the Peasants' War
Special guided tours | approx. 60 min. | € 3.50, children € 1 plus admission

7:30 p.m.

From Saint Petersburg to Paris
Concert. The Trio Balticum with Kristina Kato (violin), Vilnius, Liene Henkel (piano), Riga, and Eugen Mantu (violoncello), Bucharest, has been playing as a permanent line-up in Erfurt and Dresden for 5 years. The program includes the beautiful youthful work “Liebes-Trio” by Dmitri Shostakovich, “I love the Lord” by the Australian-Greek composer Nestor Taylor - dedicated to Trio Balticum 2022 - and Astor Piazzolla's world-famous “Seasons” | Ballroom, Molsdorf Palace | 25 €, pupils, students, trainees 15 €*

4:00 p.m.

With royal eyes
Queen Victoria visits Molsdorf Palace. Opening of the exhibition.

4:00 p.m.

Typical Al Huis - Concert project: We love standards!
Jazz songs sometimes classical - or psychedelic? - sometimes swinging. Florian Zeller (p), John Kim (e-b), Martin Surga (dr), Viola Michaelis (voc) | free of charge

on the hour

Guided tours

3:00 p.m.

A stroll through the grounds of Heidecksburg Castle
Special guided tour. Get to know the buildings, their functions and the gardens around Heidecksburg Castle through the centuries*.

* Meeting point: Heidecksburg Palace Rudolstadt, museum ticket office | limited number of participants, please register on +49 3672 / 429 022.

11:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m.

Special guided tour of the monastery grounds in Paulinzella and the Zinsboden.
The Romanesque monastery church of Paulinzella was consecrated 900 years ago and is now one of the most important high medieval sacred buildings in central Germany. The structural remains of the church ruins still reveal the characteristic features of the architectural style, which was influenced by the Hirsau reform monastery in the Black Forest. During a tour, Maria Porske from the Thuringian Palaces and Gardens Foundation will provide insights into the architecture and history of the site. There is also the rare opportunity to visit the Zinsboden building.

3:00 p.m.

Pentecost service on the festival meadow in Paulinzella

3:00 p.m.

The last princely couple Günther Viktor and Anna Luise von Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt
Special guided tour. Born in the second half of the 19th century, Günther Viktor and Anna Luise experienced moving historical upheavals. The tour of Heidecksburg Castle follows in the footsteps of this couple and the extraordinary princess*.

* Meeting point: Heidecksburg Palace Rudolstadt, museum ticket office | limited number of participants, please register on +49 3672 / 429 022.

4:00 p.m.

The last Prince Günther Viktor of Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt
Guided tours of the special exhibition | Limited number of participants, registration: +49 36730 / 399 630

3:00 p.m.

Special tour on the subject of “Rule and the people”
Recruitment and levies for military conflicts, plundering by passing troops as well as manorial hunting caused tensions between the rulers and the population for centuries. Find out more about the role of the military and hunting in times gone by and how these issues caused conflicts and shaped people's daily lives on a guided tour of the Schwarzburg Armory Collection.
Max. 20 people, registration: +49 36730 / 399 630

3:00 p.m.

A count in conflict
Sondershausen and the Peasants' War Guided tour of the special exhibition.

11:00 a.m.

A count in conflict
Sondershausen and the Peasants' War Guided tour of the special exhibition.

2:00 p.m.

Children's tour of the Peasants' War with Monk Gerd

4:00 p.m.

BeSondershausen
Guided tour through the anniversary exhibition on 900 years of the town's history.

1:00 p.m.

Parade “900 years of Sondershausen”

On the Whitsun weekend, Sondershausen celebrates 900 years since it was first mentioned in a document. There is a varied stage and entertainment program in the town. In the castle courtyard, visitors can enjoy the Residence and Music Mile with hands-on activities, a historical carousel and other attractions. Further information at www.sondershausen.de

1:00 p.m.

A count in conflict
Sondershausen and the Peasants' War Guided tour of the special exhibition.

2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.

Join-in station, classic croquet and cool drinks
Co-laboratory at the Grand Ducal Palace

6:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.

After work with friends - electronic music and table tennis
Co-laboratory at the Grand Ducal Palace

11:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.

Sounding palace
Guided tour with music. Duration: 75 min | Meeting point: Wittumspalais, Foyer | € 8, reduced € 5 (7 - 15 years)

11:30 p.m. & 1:00 p.m.

Worlds of poetry
The Poets' Rooms in the City Palace. Guided tour | Duration: 60 min. Meeting point: Weimar City Palace, Löwenportal | € 8, reduced € 5 (7 - 15 years)

2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.

Flying Visit
Duration: 30 min. | Meeting point: Wittumspalais | € 8, reduced € 5 (7 - 15 years)

2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.

Join-in station, classic croquet and cool drinks
Co-laboratory at the Grand Ducal Palace

1:00 p.m.

The world of the book tower
Guided tour | Duration: 45 min. Meeting point: Duchess Anna Amalia Library, Foyer | € 8, reduced € 5 (7 - 15 years)

11:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.

Sounding palace
Guided tour with music. Duration: 75 min | Meeting point: Wittumspalais, Foyer | € 8, reduced € 5 (7 - 15 years)

2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.

Join-in station, classic croquet and cool drinks
Co-laboratory at the Grand Ducal Palace

all day

On the road with a backpack
Explore seven special places of the Reformation era on your own! The rucksacks can be borrowed for €5 each (and a €20 deposit) during opening hours at the tourist information offices on the market square and at the Wittumspalais.