Marble House

King Frederick William II of Prussia had the Marble House built between 1787 and 1791 as a royal summer residence in Potsdam. Ancient sculptures, Italian marble fireplaces, precious wooden floors, silk wall coverings, exquisite Wedgwood ceramics, and artistic furniture, together with the elegant building, form an outstanding ensemble of early Neoclassicism in Central Europe. A visible symbol of Frederick William II’s reign, which was associated with political and artistic renewal, is the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, which was built at the monarch’s request as a modern structure inspired by antiquity.

Starting in May 2025, new multimedia offerings will turn the Marble House into a vibrant place of knowledge and make a visit an engaging and informative experience. Political and social themes from the reign of Frederick William II will be highlighted—topics that remain relevant today and continue to be of great significance: the historical and social impact of the French Revolution, the changing societal role of women in the late 18th century, and the arbitrary shifting of national borders. A particular focus will be placed on the history of neighboring Poland during Frederick William II’s rule, as Prussia’s expansionist policies played a decisive role. With the Third Partition of Poland in 1795, the country disappeared from the European map for over a hundred years, and Warsaw became part of Prussia—an act of political power play closely linked to Prussia’s ambitions on the European continent. A “Polish perspective” on Prussia under Frederick William II will therefore be an important educational approach. In addition to German and English, the language offerings will explicitly cater to Polish visitors.

From May 2025, the entire south wing will be accessible as a museum space for independent visits. Guests will be able to enter this area without waiting, explore the history of the site and its residents, and gain thematic insights into the reign of Frederick William II.