POTSDAM TOURISMUS SERVICE
PRESS RELEASE
2013
Beyond the 300th Anniversary of Frederick II - Exciting Discoveries
in “Prussia’s Arcadia“
Potsdam offers a wealth of events as part of a rich cultural heritage
Tourists of Potsdam can experience “Prussia’s Arcadia” in a number of different ways.
Following the enormous success of the anniversary year marking the 300th birthday of
King Frederick II, cultural events organisers in many locations are busy organising new
programmes full of surprises. Audiences can look forward to the prospect of attending
some exciting events which will open the door on Prussia’s rich heritage. We are
especially reminded of “Frederick’s Potsdam”, most of which is still there for all to see,
with the Park of Sanssouci dominating everything.
In fact, there is no need to go hunting for a special excuse to embark on a voyage of
discovery in “Prussia’s Arcadia”. Nevertheless, anniversaries do have the effect of making
us sit up and take more notice. When the Picture Gallery in the Park of Sanssouci was
completed 250 years ago it was the first independent museum to be built in Germany.
With it Frederick II became the owner of a prestigious framework in which to display
paintings and sculptures, sited just below the Castle of Sanssouci. It was predominantly
old masters from Italy and Flanders, with their Biblical and mythological themes, that
formed the hallmark of the range of works on display in the building which featured a
splendid interior decorated with white and yellow Italian marble and gilding. To mark the
Jubilee, the Palaces Foundation is presenting visitors with a work with an unusual history.
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One unusual feature is the way the paintings are hung, precisely reflecting Frederick’s
times. In addition original antique sculptures are being exhibited in the gallery rooms as
was the custom in the time of King Frederick II.
Artistes from abroad also play a large part in this year’s programme for the popular
Music Festivals in Potsdam-Sanssouci which will be taking place from 7. - 23. June. The
“musical diversity and emotional force of Scandinavia” is set to sweep into the state
capital of Brandenburg on the wings of Boreas, the North Wind, and can certainly be
guaranteed to warm the cockles of the heart. The Drottningholm Theatre is building a
bridge which will span Norway, Sweden and Denmark and reach as far as the Faroe
Islands. The living landscape embraced by Ancient Music is also something that is certain
to be a hit with audiences. Nor will visitors have to look far to find traces of Scandinavia
in Potsdam. The gate leading to the former Norwegian marine station of Kongsnaes not
far from the Glienicke Bridge was restored to its former glory some years ago. The
statue of Jesus with his hands raised in blessing in the Friedenskirche (the Peace Church)
in Potsdam is a copy of Bertel Thorwaldsen’s original in the Frue Kirke, the cathedral in
Copenhagen. Scandinavian film divas such as Asta Nielsen, Greta Garbo and Zarah
Leander have become famous through the films produced at the Babelsberg Film
Studios. In addition, Luise Ulrike of Prussia, the fifth of six sisters of Frederick II, even
grew up to be Queen of Sweden.
Over this period audiences will be able to enjoy watching history unfold in the shape of
an unusual equine spectacle that the most famous Prussian monarch of all actually had a
hand in shaping. Back in 1750 he arranged for the “Equine Spectacle” with its splendid
trappings and plenty of music, singing, dancing and artistry, to be performed in Berlin.
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Following the major success of Frederick’s Jubilee Celebrations, audiences now have a
new production of “Le Carrousel de Sanssouci” from 18. – 21. July to look forward to,
set against the backdrop of the New Palace. On four evenings riders and their steeds, in
authentic costumes and to the accompaniment of Baroque compositions, will be
portraying the elevated art of body control and the harmony that can be achieved
between man and beast.
This event, which is unique in this form in Germany, also awakens our anticipation for a
wonderful night in the Park of Sanssouci. On the 17 August the castles, pavilions and
pathways will appear decked out in festive illuminations. Concerts, plays, readings,
artistry and fairy tales invite the visitor to take a stroll through the wide expanse of this
world heritage site. En route the visitor will find an abundance of stop-off points for
sampling culinary delights. Shortly after midnight all the visitors to this, the 15th
Potsdam Palaces by Night, will seek out a good place from which to watch the huge
firework display at the New Palace. A traditional feature on the evening before is a
concert given by a top-class ensemble. www.potsdam-tourismus.com
Press enquiries:
Birgit Kunkel & Regina Zibell, Potsdam Tourismus Service, Am Neuen Markt 1, 14467 Potsdam,
Tel.: 0331/298 73-251, Fax 0331/298 73-73, Email: kunkel@potsdamtourismus.de ,
zibell@potsdamtourismus.de, www.potsdamtourismus.de/