A pleasure palace once more

Friedrichsfelde manor house at Tierpark Berlin reopens with a new exhibition

    “Friedrichsfelde could be called the Charlottenburg of the east,

    and every Sunday hundreds of local residents come out

    to enjoy a leisurely stroll ‘under the oaks’ in that very place.”

    Theodor Fontane, Wanderungen durch Mark Brandenburg, 1873

     

    Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Friedrichsfelde manor house has been closed since autumn 2020. Now it is reopening its doors to visitors – with something new for them to enjoy. An exhibition in the east wing takes visitors through the manor house’s fascinating history, which spans almost 350 years. It also provides additional insight into the wider history of Berlin, starting with the first recorded mention of Cölln – one of the two towns that originally made up Berlin – in 1237. The exhibition focuses on important chapters in the chronicle of the manor house: construction, expansion, looting, dilapidation and renovation. The manor’s neoclassical design belies the fact that this pleasure palace (Lustschloss) was originally built in 1685. Throughout its eventful history, the house has passed through the hands of many lords of the manor. Most recently, it belonged to the von Treskows, whose family graveyard is situated close to the polar bear habitat. In May 1945 the manor was occupied by Soviet troops. Thanks to the efforts of Heinrich Dathe, in 1955 it was deemed an important landmark within the newly opened Tierpark and the decision was made to save it. Renovation work began in 1967, and the building was ceremonially reopened on 11 June 1981. The splendid renovation was only made possible through the establishment of the Tierpark as a visitor attraction. Inside, the walls are decorated with historic wall coverings and paintings. The curator of the new exhibition is historian Dr Clemens Maier-Wolthausen, who was also involved in the permanent exhibition and book on the 175-year history of Zoo Berlin. “Friedrichsfelde manor house is the cultural heart of Tierpark Berlin, so I am delighted that it can now reopen and welcome guests to a modern and informative exhibition on the building’s history,” said Zoo and Tierpark Director Dr Andreas Knieriem. Friedrichsfelde manor house also offers an extensive cultural programme, which in conjunction with the countless sculptures and architectural features dotted throughout the extensive parkland, helps make Tierpark Berlin a place that combines nature and culture in a very special way.

    Friedrichsfelde manor house reopens on 10 September and will be accessible to Tierpark visitors from Friday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cultural events are also being held once again in the neoclassical Ballroom. The popular series of concerts will relaunch on 16 September, organised by musical director Kerstin Straßburg. On six separate dates, the historic space will resound to masterful piano and chamber music played by renowned, award-winning musicians. The strictly limited tickets can be bought in advance online or onsite at Friedrichsfelde manor house on Mondays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Thursdays from 2 to 4 p.m. (except on 16 and 23 September). We can only accept cash payments for tickets bought onsite. On the evening of the concert, any remaining tickets will be available at the ticket booth from 6:30 p.m.

    Opening hours

    Today, 29. March
    9:00 - 18:30
    Last admission: 17:00
    All opening hours

    Feedings & Trainings

    • Polar bear talk 11:00
    • Giraffe-Talk 12:30
    All feedings