Wildenfels Castle was built in the late 12th century. From 1602 to 1945 it was owned by Solms-Wildenfels counts. Thanks to its many cultural treasures, the castle is today a national attraction at the foot of the Erzgebirge mountains. These include the castle gallery, banqueting hall, wedding room, former count’s library and various museum rooms. Another highlight is the “Blue Salon”, which was named after its wall decoration of precious blue silk tapestries from the early 18th century.
Rosenborg Palace was built in the period 1606-34 as Christian IV’s summerhouse just outside the ramparts of Copenhagen. Christian IV was very fond of the palace and often stayed at the castle when he resided in Copenhagen, and it was here that he died in 1648. After his death, the palace passed to his son King Frederik III, who together with his queen, Sophie Amalie, carried out several types of modernisation.
The last king who used the place as a residence was Frederik IV, and around 1720, Rosenborg was abandoned in favor of Frederiksborg Palace.Through the 1700s, considerable art treasures were collected at Rosenborg Castle, among other things items from the estates of deceased royalty and from Christiansborg after the fire there in 1794.
Soon the idea of a museum arose, and that was realised in 1833, which is The Royal Danish Collection’s official year of establishment.