Name: Coburg | Gotha | 1826 – A Duke. Two Residences 2026
Start: 2026-05-22T00:00:00+00:00
End: 2026-09-20T00:00:00+00:00
Location: Kunstsammlungen der Veste Coburg

Coburg | Gotha | 1826

About Coburg | Gotha | 1826

In 2026, the creation of the Duchy of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha will be celebrated for the 200th time. On this occasion, the Art Collections of Veste Coburg are dedicating a major special exhibition to the dynastic change of 1826. Under the title 'A Duke. Two Residences.', the exhibition tells the story of the energetic yet contradictory Duke Ernest I, who suddenly ruled two residences about 80 kilometers apart: Ehrenburg Palace in Coburg and Friedenstein Castle in Gotha, Thuringia. Precious objects from the collections of both ducal cities will be shown – a unique chapter of Upper Franconian and Thuringian history.

Dates 22 May — 20 Sep 2026

Venue Coburg (09463)

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Status Confirmed

Edition 2026

Coburg | Gotha | 1826 — edition 2026

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The central anniversary exhibition 'Coburg | Gotha | 1826 – A Duke. Two Residences.' will be on display at the Art Collections of Veste Coburg from May 22 to September 20, 2026. It documents the dynastic change of 1826 using precious objects from Coburg and Gotha and contextualizes the history of Duke Ernest I.

The 2026 special exhibition marks the highlight of the celebrations for the 200th anniversary of the Duchy of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. Precious loans and collection objects from both ducal cities will be shown at Veste Coburg: homage letters on silk and paper, silver filigree, majolica, minerals, maps, weapons, and archival documents. Accompanying exhibitions will run in Gotha, in the Coburg State Library at Ehrenburg Palace (September 7 to November 28, 2026), and in the Coburg State Archives (October 20 to December 18, 2026). Curator-led tours – for example on May 30 and June 20, 2026 – as well as lectures, concerts, and city tours complement the program throughout its entire duration.

Highlights Coburg | Gotha | 1826 2026

200th anniversary of the Duchy of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha
Precious objects from the collections of Coburg and Gotha
Impressive exhibition venue at the historic Veste Coburg
Collaborative project with the Friedenstein Castle Foundation Gotha
Extensive accompanying program with tours, lectures, and concerts

Programme Coburg | Gotha | 1826 2026

Accompanying Program 2026 (Selection)

May 30, 2026 – Curator-led tour, 2:00 PM–3:00 PM
June 4, 2026 – Lecture on Duke Ernest I, 6:00 PM, Ehrenburg Palace
June 20, 2026 – Curator-led tour, 2:00 PM–3:00 PM
September 7–November 28, 2026 – Accompanying exhibition Coburg State Library, Ehrenburg Palace
October 20–December 18, 2026 – Accompanying exhibition Coburg State Archives

Prices Coburg | Gotha | 1826 2026

The regular admission prices of the Art Collections of Veste Coburg apply. Current tariffs and discounts are available by calling +49 9561 879-0 or on the official website. Curator-led tours cost an additional 5 Euros; the accompanying lecture at Ehrenburg Palace is free of charge.

Practical information

Practical information — Coburg | Gotha | 1826

Getting There

Veste Coburg is located above the town center of Coburg. By train to Coburg station, then continue with the Veste-Express or city bus. By car via the A73 (exit Coburg), parking is available on the Festungsberg.

Opening Hours and Admission

The exhibition is accessible during the regular opening hours of the Art Collections of Veste Coburg. Current opening hours and admission prices can be obtained by calling +49 9561 879-0 or on the official website.

Accompanying Program

Curator-led tours, lectures, and city tours take place throughout the entire duration. Dates and registration via the Art Collections of Veste Coburg.

A Duke, Two Residences

The Duchy of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha was created in 1826 following the division of Thuringia. Duke Ernest I (1784–1844) suddenly had two separate residences – Ehrenburg Palace in Coburg and Friedenstein Castle in Gotha, about 80 kilometers away, each with its own collections, libraries, and archives. The special exhibition at Veste Coburg, the landmark of the Upper Franconian town in the district of Coburg, sheds light on this historical upheaval and the work of a regent who was as energetic as he was contradictory.

The Exhibition

Under the title 'Coburg | Gotha | 1826 – A Duke. Two Residences.', the Art Collections of Veste Coburg present precious objects from the holdings of both ducal cities. On display are, among other things, homage letters on silk and paper, silver filigree, majolica, shells and minerals, as well as artworks, maps, weapons, archival documents, and books. They illustrate power and representation, reform efforts, and the profound changes of the era.

A Joint Project

The Coburg exhibition is part of a major collaborative project with the Friedenstein Castle Foundation Gotha and the Gotha Research Library. Parallel to the exhibition at Veste Coburg, accompanying exhibitions are running in Gotha as well as in the Coburg State Library at Ehrenburg Palace and the Coburg State Archives. Together, the exhibitions trace the dynastic change of 200 years ago in its full breadth.

Events Around the Exhibition

Accompanying events include curator-led tours, academic lectures, thematic city tours through Coburg, and concerts. Veste Coburg, one of the largest and best-preserved castle complexes in Germany, offers an impressive historical setting above the city.

Coburg and the State of Bavaria

Coburg is located in northern Upper Franconia in the Free State of Bavaria, directly on the border with Thuringia. For centuries, the city was the residence of the ducal courts and is today an important cultural tourism destination. The Coburg region, in the district of the same name, preserves the heritage of the European ruling house of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha to this day.