Garden Museum

Room 7 – Bayreuth Gardens

Under Margravine Wilhelmine (1709-1758), Bayreuth experienced a golden age of the arts, which came to an end soon after her death. When she came to Bayreuth in 1732, she first attempted to enliven life at the court with music and theatrical productions. After her husband Margrave Friedrich (1735) succeeded as ruler in 1735, she also commenced a number of architectural projects, beginning with the rebuilding of the Hermitage and the extension of its gardens.

The Sanspareil Rock Garden 30 km west of Bayreuth was laid out between 1744 and 1748 and was followed by the Margravial Opera House and finally by a new residence. Magnificent gardens were also created for the New Palace, with numerous sculptures, architectural features and pools. Elisabeth Friederike Sophie, the only daughter of the ruling couple, endeavoured to continue the life style of her mother, transferring it to Fantaisie Palace.