Benrath Palace: the pink summer palace as a perfect day out
Twenty-five minutes by U-Bahn from the centre: Benrath Palace is one of the loveliest summer palaces in Europe.
Benrath Palace in the south of Düsseldorf is one of the loveliest summer palaces in Europe. It was built between 1755 and 1773 by the French architect Nicolas de Pigage for Elector Carl Theodor of the Palatinate and his wife Elisabeth Auguste, as a maison de plaisance: a place of recreation rather than a residence.
The palace: pink sandstone and a mirror pond
The pink sandstone facade is the image everyone knows of Benrath, framed by two side wings and reflected in the large pond in front of it. Inside are 80 rooms with their original stucco, marble floors and wall hangings.
The grounds
- The French garden directly in front of the palace, symmetrical, with beds and sculptures.
- The English landscape garden, with naturalistic paths and a copper beech avenue.
- The former natural history grounds, today a park with a botanical garden.
Three museums in the palace
- The Benrath Palace Museum — historic rooms with original furniture.
- The Museum of European Garden Art — in the west wing, unique in Europe.
- The Natural History Museum — focused on the flora and fauna of the Lower Rhine.
Frequently asked questions about Benrath Palace
Frequently asked questions
- Who built Benrath Palace?
- The French architect Nicolas de Pigage, between 1755 and 1773, for Elector Carl Theodor of the Palatinate.
- How do you get to Benrath Palace from the city centre?
- On the U71 from Steinstraße/Königsallee, a journey of about 25 minutes.
- What does entry cost?
- The palace interiors are €14, the garden art museum €6 and the natural history museum €4. A combined ticket is €19. The park is free.
- When is the best time to visit?
- May to September for the flower beds, October for the autumn colour of the copper beech avenue.
Experience Düsseldorf — from the hotel.
31 rooms in Friedrichstadt, within walking distance of Königsallee and the Rhine. Book directly with the hotel for the best rate, with cancellation terms that depend on the rate.