Duke – Client – Artist
George II of Saxe-Meiningen and Heldburg Castle

To mark the 200th anniversary of the birth of George II of Saxe-Meiningen (1826–1914), the German Castles Museum, in collaboration with the Thuringian Palaces and Gardens Foundation, is staging a special exhibition on the life and work of the so-called ‘Theatre Duke’ at Veste Heldburg.

From 1874 onwards, Heldburg Castle acquired its present striking appearance thanks to the extensive restoration and alteration work carried out by Duke Georg II of Saxe-Meiningen. However, it was not only the exterior appearance but also the interior décor and the surrounding gardens that were created according to the Duke’s meticulously precise specifications. Through the architecture, the surviving remnants of the interior décor, and other artefacts, documents and interactive displays, visitors can gain an insight into the personal involvement of Duke Georg II and his wife Helene, Baroness von Heldburg – the former actress Ellen Franz – in the transformation of Veste Heldburg: Set against the historical context and trends of Georg’s era, the exhibition vividly answers questions about the artists, master builders, like-minded individuals and theorists, as well as the companies that all contributed, directly or indirectly, to the success of the Duke’s building project.

Well worth a visit