The 250-year-old ducal castle in Ludwigslust is a jewel - also because of its unique decoration with gilded papier-mâché inside. More than half of the castle is currently a construction site, including surprises.
Ludwigslust (dpa/mv) - The ducal residential palace in Ludwigslust is currently undergoing an extensive makeover. The west wing - traditionally inhabited by women - and the centrally located Golden Hall will be restored for around 26.5 million euros, as stated during a site inspection with Finance Minister Heiko Geue (SPD) on Wednesday. The east wing with the living and representation rooms of the dukes was reopened in 2016 after several years of restoration. It is also open for museum operations during the ongoing construction work.
Ludwigslust was the residence of the Mecklenburg dukes for around 70 years in the 18th and 19th centuries. Construction of the palace began in 1772. The special feature is the precious room decoration made of papier-mâché, which is particularly impressive in the Golden Hall. However, moisture stains on the ceiling have been a concern for a long time. When you took a closer look at the beams above the hall, there was a nasty surprise: dry rot and brown rot had formed as a result of penetrating moisture, according to the construction experts. The renovation means additional costs of around half a million euros.
According to Robert Klaus from the State Building and Property Office, the west wing should be completed by 2024, and the Golden Hall is expected to be completed by 2025. The State Palaces, Gardens and Art Collections MV (SSGK) will then set up the exhibition, the conception of which is already being worked on.
According to SSGK director Pirko Zinnow, the concept envisages depicting the ladies of the court and their work in the west wing. The exhibit is intended to be organically linked to existing historical furnishings, she said. Among other things, the original bed of the Hereditary Grand Duchess Alexandrine (1803-1892), a daughter of the Prussian Queen Luise, was found in the attic of the palace. Some pieces would also be recreated from models found in paintings. Rewoven silk wallpaper and, in some rooms, paper wallpaper based on historical models are hanging on the walls.
Geue emphasized that with the restoration and the new exhibition in the west wing, Ludwigslust Palace will continue to win inland tourism as a magnet. "Ludwigslust Palace is a cultural and tourist treasure," he said. The opening date is said to be 2026.
