Schloss Weikersheim Gallery

The Schloss Weikersheim Gallery is a collection of stone figures scattered throughout the palace gardens that serves as an outdoor exhibition of 18th century craftsmanship. The figures are carefully positioned at various spots in the gardens and display different artistic details and carving techniques.

The collection emerged in the early 18th century when the palace gardens were transformed from a Renaissance layout into a formal French-influenced style. This shift reflects changing preferences of the nobility for garden design.

The stone figures show dwarves and other characters that reflect the artistic taste and folklore traditions of German nobility from that era. Visitors can directly experience these creative preferences while walking through the garden.

The figures are located along paths that wind through the gardens so visitors can view each one while strolling. Walking the grounds requires only normal physical fitness since the paths are straightforward to follow.

Many of the stone figures still come from the Baroque period and stand in their original positions throughout the garden. This makes the collection an authentic example of how such gardens were originally designed.