Equestrian statue of Friedrich Wilhelm I

The equestrian statue of Friedrich Wilhelm I stands in the courtyard of Charlottenburg Palace and depicts the Prussian king mounted on his horse in military dress. The artwork rises about 5.6 meters tall and combines bronze with marble to create a commanding presence.

The work was created in the early 18th century by Andreas Schlüter and Johann Jacobi, during a time when Friedrich Wilhelm I was developing Prussia into a European power. This period marked a turning point when the state and its military grew in importance under this ruler.

The monument shows how power was displayed in the early 18th century, with the king in full armor astride his horse. The way the horse and rider are carved speaks to authority and control, values that mattered to people of that time.

The monument is located in the open palace grounds and can be viewed at no cost from the outside, though palace opening hours should be kept in mind. The courtyard offers a quiet spot for viewing, giving you time to observe details and take photos.

What visitors see in the palace courtyard today is a modern replica, while the original sculpture has been moved to the Bode Museum for safekeeping. This split shows how monuments are preserved by keeping originals secure while allowing copies to remain publicly visible.

Location: Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf

Inception: 1700

Creator: Andreas Schlüter, Johann Jacobi

Height: 5.6 m

Made from material: bronze, marble

GPS coordinates: 52.52054,13.29576

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:44