The playful rococo pavilion in the Deer Garden of Sanssouci Park is probably the best-known surviving example of the chinoiserie fashion that shaped courtly culture throughout Europe in the 18th century. The chinoiserie shows little of the China of the time, but rather the Europeans' ideas about it.
The exterior view of the garden house, built between 1754 and 1764 by Johann Gottfried Büring on commission from Frederick the Great, is dominated by the life-size gilded figures that are placed individually or in groups around the building. They depict fabulously dressed men and women playing music and drinking tea. The columns in the shape of gilded palm trees are intended to give the impression that one is not in Europe here. Peter Benckert and Johann Gottlieb Heymüller created this staffage "à la chinoise".
The walls of the interior, which rises on a cloverleaf-shaped floor plan, are decorated with gilded consoles on which 18th century porcelains are displayed. The large ceiling painting presents a boisterous "Chinese" society in an illusionistic architectural depiction.
Winter Season
1. November 2024 - 30. April 2025
- Monday-Sunday closed
Summer Season
1. May 2025 - 31. October 2025
- Monday closed
- Tuesday-Sunday 10:00 - 17:30
Last entry
30 min. before closing
- 14. May 2025 closed
- 15. October 2025 closed
Am Grünen Gitter, 14469 Potsdam
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+49 (331) 96 94-200
Admission price 5,00 €
Reduced price 4,00 €
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