Sanssouci Picture Gallery

The Sanssouci Picture Gallery is an art museum displaying approximately 140 paintings from the 16th to 18th centuries in a yellow-painted building with floor-to-ceiling windows and marble statues. The structure defines a section of the eastern Lustgarten grounds through its distinctive architectural design.

The building was constructed from 1755 to 1764 under architect Johann Gottfried Büring by order of Frederick the Great and replaced an earlier greenhouse on the site. The choice to create an art hall here reflected the king's growing interest in displaying his collection publicly.

The collection features paintings by masters like Caravaggio, Rubens, and Van Dyck displayed alongside French statues and classical busts on green walls. The rooms themselves are embellished with gilded ornaments and plasterwork depicting the arts and sciences.

The museum operates from May through October, Tuesday to Sunday, while remaining completely closed during winter months. Visitors should note that hours are limited to the warmer season and advance planning is advised.

The interior merges yellow and white Italian marble with elaborate plasterwork that enlivens the entire space. This fusion of material and ornamentation creates a rare harmony between artwork and container.

Location: Potsdam

Inception: 1764

Architects: Johann Gottfried Büring

Official opening: 1764

Accessibility: Wheelchair inaccessible

Operator: Stiftung Preußische Schlösser und Gärten Berlin-Brandenburg

Part of: Palaces and Parks of Potsdam and Berlin, Prussian Palaces and Gardens Foundation Berlin-Brandenburg

Address: Im Park Sanssouci 4, 14469 Potsdam

Opening Hours: May 01-October 31 Holidays,Tuesday-Sunday 10:00-17:30; November 01-April 30 off

Website: https://spsg.de/schloesser-gaerten/objekt/bildergalerie

GPS coordinates: 52.40380,13.04100

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:57