Museumsportal Berlin

At the western end of the main promenade in the Sanssouci Park, known as the Hauptallee, rises a monumental palace, the New Palace, whose high tambour (or drummed cupola) is recognizable from quite a distance. This colossal building clearly served an official function, in sharp contrast with the intimate, and rather modest, vineyard palace.
The interior is filled with luxurious ceremonial halls, magnificent galleries and private suites. The New Palace is also home to works of art and decorative objects from the 18th century as well as the Sanssouci Palace theatre, which is located in the southern wing.
The New Palace was the last palace built by Frederick the Great in this park. It´s opulence and grandeur served as a clear reminder of the continuing power of the Prussian state after years of deprivation resulting from the Seven Years´ War (1756-63).
Frederick himself rarely stayed at the palace and it was later used predominantly as guest accommodation and for festivities. It was not until the reign of Wilhelm II, Germany´s last emperor, that the New Palace became the main royal residence.