Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister

The Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister occupies three floors of Schloss Wilhelmshöhe and displays paintings from Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Holland, and Flanders. The works span from the late medieval period to Classicism and include major pieces by masters such as Rembrandt, Rubens, and van Dyck.

The collection originated with Landgraf Wilhelm VIII, who acquired numerous European masterpieces between 1682 and 1760. His passion for art laid the foundation for one of Germany's most important painting collections.

The gallery displays works that connect European artistic traditions from the late medieval period through the Classical era. Visitors see masterful examples of how different regions developed their own approaches to painting.

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, allowing visitors to explore all three floors at their own pace. Extended opening hours are available on the first and third Friday of each month for those needing more time.

The museum holds the Portrait of Elsbeth Tucher by Albrecht Dürer from 1499, which later appeared on the West German 20 Marks banknote. This painting demonstrates how artworks from the collection left lasting marks on cultural history.