Widow's Palace

Plön, Germany

The ducal Widow's Palace in Plön was the widow's seat of the Duchess Dorothea Christina (Dorothea Christine). During its history the building has also served as an orphanage and was modified several times. Today it houses Plön's district museum.

The Widow's Palace was originally a stately home dating to the Middle Ages, which was mentioned for the first time around 1385, and was a fief of nearby Plön Castle. The original building was renovated around 1540 and was used for various purposes, during the rule of the dukes of Plön, including acting as an orphanage from 1685. From 1756 it was extended to become the widow's seat for Dorothea Christina, the mother of Duke Frederick Charles. In the 19th century the court apothecary was moved to the palace. Since the 20th century the building has housed the district museum for the district of Plön.

The barrel-vaulted basement of the palace dates to 1540, after when the building was converted and extended several times. Other alterations to the structure were made in 1639 and 1685, but it was given its present baroque style largely around 1756, although the front was redesigned around 1842 in the classicist style. The palace is a two-storey building under a high mansard roof. It has nine wings and a plastered façade facing the town; its other elevations are in brick. The interior character is that of the 19th century transformation; on the upper floor, the rococo ballroom of 1756, which faces the garden, has been preserved.

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Details

Founded: 1540
Category: Museums in Germany
Historical period: Reformation & Wars of Religion (Germany)

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.3/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Klaus Weigel (4 years ago)
Home museums are always worth a visit! There is a lot to discover, especially in Plön, which played a role in history as a small residence. Especially the glass collection, which Piggy back is worth a visit. Nice premises ...
Volker Mehs (5 years ago)
Although Plön has long been easily accessible for me, I have never been to this museum. We are thrilled with the exhibition, in particular with the glass objects on display. I was already aware that in the formerly heavily wooded Holstein glassblowers were settled. That one of them should come from Plön, however, was unknown to me. The replica of a forest glass hut as well as the replicas of the Stone Age and Iron Age tools and the possibility to touch the objects in part will be interesting for children. It was with us the impression that much was done for children. Especially interesting are the results of the excavations on the island in Plöner See. Very friendly museum staff. Only four stars because not handicapped accessible.
Lev Miller (5 years ago)
An interesting museum of local lore. Children have free admission. Adults 2.5 euros. Nearby there is a large parking lot.
Markus Mollet (5 years ago)
The exhibition about the local excavations on the Slavic history in Holstein is very enlightening and very vivid by the many exhibits. Small but fine exhibition and with 2.50 € also not expensive.
Marina Buckmann (5 years ago)
Very friendly and always happy staff! Meanwhile, I am an avid regular guest and enjoy the exhibitions every time anew.
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