Muschelgrotte im Neuen Garten, Shell grotto in New Garden, Germany.
The shell grotto in New Garden is a decorative cave structure located at the northern edge of the park near Jungfernsee Lake. The structure combines walls made of tufa and bog iron ore with a vaulted ceiling decorated with a painted eagle.
The grotto was commissioned by King Frederick William II and constructed between 1791 and 1794 as a private retreat. It emerged during a period when architects and artists created such decorative structures as fashionable features in royal gardens.
The interior displays intricate decorations made with colored glass, mirrors, and marble floors that create an ornate chamber. These embellishments allowed visitors to experience a shimmering, almost dreamlike setting.
Access is best reached on foot from New Garden, with a path leading along the lakeside. Visitors should note that the interior may have limited access during poor weather, and it is wise to check current availability in advance.
The ceiling of the grotto features a painted eagle crest that served as a symbol of royal authority. This detail is often the first thing visitors notice when stepping into the glittering chamber.
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