Elector Karl Theodor had the hunting and garden palace built in Benrath between 1755 and 1773. The aim of creating an overall composition of architecture, garden art and sculpture is typical of the rococo period just before the transition to 
neoclassicism. The palace is highly distinctive in the Rhineland as very few baroque and rococo palaces were built in this region. The architect was Nicolas de Pigage, the “Intendant of the gardens and waterworks” at the Mannheim royal court. The palace’s magnificent exterior is best seen from the city side.

The central building – the corps de logis – was the living quarters of the elector and his wife. From the outside, the single-storey structure seems almost modest. Behind the façade, however, one will discover a sophisticated, cleverly structured system of 80 rooms, two atriums and seven staircases, spread over four floors. This produces a surprising  effect as was particularly popular in architecture and garden art of the time. The idea was that visitors would only notice the spaciousness and grandeur when they entered. Guided tours of the corps de logis are available. Guests are only permitted to enter wearing felt slippers in order to protect the extremely valuable flooring, which is also fun to slide on.

The world’s first Museum of Garden Art has been housed in the east wing since 2002. In summer, the inner courtyard, with its collection of ancient citrus trees, is a lovely place to relax for a while. The great palace garden is worth a visit at any time of the year. After a long, enjoyable stroll, the Schloss-Café offers fortification. Benrath’s cosy town centre is also home to pleasant restaurants and cafés, as well as Bistro Kombu, which is probably the city’s best Japanese snack bar.

Further information at duesseldorf-tourismus.de