Arolsen Castle

Bad Arolsen, Germany

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Arolsen Castle, located in Bad Arolsen, Germany, is a grand baroque palace built between 1710 and 1810 under the commission of Friedrich Anton Ulrich, Prince of Waldeck and Pyrmont.

It replaced an earlier Augustinian convent and Renaissance castle, with construction guided by master builder Julius Ludwig Rothweil and decorated by artists such as Andrea Gallasini and Carlo Ludovici Castelli. The castle’s design was inspired by Versailles, featuring a three-wing layout with ornate ceilings, frescoes, and rococo interiors, including the renowned Princess’s audience chamber known as the Red Salon.

The castle has served as both a residence and administrative center for the ruling family and houses the Princely Waldeck Court Library, known for its extensive 18th-century literature collections. It remains inhabited by the prince's family and operates as a museum with public tours showcasing its richly preserved architecture and art.

The castle park is also notable for housing Jeff Koons' large topiary sculpture "Puppy".