Palace of Art: Ober Gallery in Potsdam opens after 30 years!

Palace of Art: Ober Gallery in Potsdam opens after 30 years!

The upper gallery in the new Palais in Potsdam, a historical jewel of the baroque, opened its gates for the audience again after 30 years. This long closing time was due to the poor structural condition of the gallery caused by static problems. The reopening enables visitors to admire five significant paintings from the Collection of the Prussian Palaces and Gardens Berlin-Brandenburg (SPSG). These works of art had been integrated into the wall paneling since 1768 and hardly accessible until a few years ago, because comprehensive restoration was urgently required, which was carried out in the past six years. The historical parquet is now protected with partial floor protection, while visitors can concentrate on the impressive works.

Minister of Culture Wolfram Weimer described the opening of the gallery as a “small sensation”. The restored paintings include works by the renowned Italian painter Artemisia Gentileschi, who are now shining in full shine again. Examples include not only the paintings by Gentileschi, but also works by Guido Reni and Luca Giordano, who have so far received little fame. These pictures are not only significant for art history, but also offer an insight into the representation of the female body in art history, which is deepened by the new tour in the Sanssouci "SANSSG app.

value of the restoration

The restoration of the five works of art was a complex project that not only included technological studies, but was also creatively designed. Through third-party funds, including the Rudolf-August-Oetker Foundation and the Annemarie Hilgemann Foundation, this extensive work was financed to save the cultural heritage. However, another painting remains in the restoration because it was not completely edited. When analyzing the paintings, it turned out that the work of Gentileschi was wrongly present under male names for a long time.

The opening times of the upper gallery are from April to October from Wednesday to Monday between 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. and from November to March from 10 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. Entry to the Grand Tour, which includes the upper gallery, is 14 euros, reduced 10 euros. Involved experts see reopening not only as a return of art -historical values, but also as an important signal for investing in historical cultural buildings.

The gallery offers a unique experience for art lovers and interested visitors through the newly dated paintings, which were reorganized in its historical context during the comprehensive restoration. This opening is not only access to important baroque art, but also a valuable connection to the history of Frederick the Great.