Luisenjahr Hohenzieritz — 250th Birthday of Queen Luise
Series of events for the 250th birthday of Queen Luise of Prussia
About Luisenjahr Hohenzieritz
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A Queen and Her Place of Death
Queen Luise of Prussia, born on March 10, 1776, in Hanover and died on July 19, 1810, at the age of just 34 at Hohenzieritz Castle, remains one of the most popular figures in Prussian history. Her early death, her beauty, and her role during Prussia's Napoleonic struggles transformed her into an icon – a myth that profoundly shaped the bourgeoisie of the 19th century and Prussia's national identity.
Hohenzieritz Castle — Summer Residence and Place of Death
The late Baroque Hohenzieritz Castle, built in the 18th century for Duke Adolf Friedrich IV of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, Luise's father, was her summer residence. Here, as a young woman and as queen, she spent happy weeks with her family. Here she also died – the historic death chambers in the east wing are now part of the castle museum as the Luise Memorial Site.
Four Events, One Year of Remembrance
The Luisenjahr 2026 brings together four central dates that illuminate different facets of the queen:
- March 14, 2026: Celebratory lecture by Rudolf Scharmann (former castle captain of Charlottenburg Palace) "Queen Luise of Prussia. Life and Myth"
- May 17, 2026: Reading by Frank Pergande "People from the Queen's Circle" in the Egyptian Hall
- July 19, 2026: Academic lecture on Queen Luise's image politics with Dr. Susanne Bocher and Dr. Jörg Meiner, plus wine tasting
- September 1, 2026: Traditional military concert by the Army Music Corps Neubrandenburg in the castle park as the year's finale
Myth and Reality
The program combines historical research with cultural formats: book presentations, harp-accompanied readings, wine tastings from the region's only winery (Luise Edition), and military music in the park make the occasion of remembrance accessible to a broad audience. The lectures focus on both Luise's world and the posthumous cult and its political instrumentalization.
Organizers
The State Palaces, Gardens, and Art Collections of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (SSGK M-V) are responsible. The Luisenjahr is conceived as a regionally significant commemorative format, geographically centered in the municipality of Hohenzieritz in the Mecklenburg Lake District – embedded in the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and its rich palace heritage.
Luisenjahr Hohenzieritz — edition 2026
March 14, 2026 — Celebratory Lecture
The Luisenjahr kicks off on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 3:00 PM with a celebratory lecture by Rudolf Scharmann, the former castle captain of Charlottenburg Palace in Berlin. His topic: "Queen Luise of Prussia. Life and Myth." Scharmann will also present his new book on the queen. The Luise Memorial Site will be open from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM on this day, and admission is free.
May 17, 2026 — Literary Reading
The writer Frank Pergande will read in the Egyptian Hall of the castle from "People from the Queen's Circle" – stories from the courtly society of Luise, her husband Frederick William III, and their children.
July 19, 2026 — Anniversary of Death
On the anniversary of Luise's death, Director Dr. Susanne Bocher and art historian Dr. Jörg Meiner will give a lecture on the queen's image politics and iconographic glorification. The event will be accompanied by a wine tasting featuring a specially bottled Luise Cuvée from the region's only winery.
September 1, 2026 — Military Concert
The Luisenjahr concludes with the traditional concert by the Army Music Corps Neubrandenburg in the castle park – symphonic wind music ranging from classical marches to modern pop and musical arrangements.
Programme Luisenjahr Hohenzieritz 2026
- March 14, 2026, 3:00 PM — Celebratory lecture by Rudolf Scharmann: "Queen Luise of Prussia. Life and Myth" — free admission
- May 17, 2026 — Reading by Frank Pergande "People from the Queen's Circle" — Egyptian Hall
- July 19, 2026 — Lecture by Dr. Susanne Bocher & Dr. Jörg Meiner on Luise's image politics + Luise Edition wine tasting
- September 1, 2026 — Army Music Corps Neubrandenburg, military concert in the castle park
Highlights Luisenjahr Hohenzieritz 2026
- 250th birthday of Queen Luise (born March 10, 1776, in Hanover)
- Four curated events at her place of death, Hohenzieritz Castle
- Celebratory lecture by Rudolf Scharmann with book presentation (March 14)
- Reading in the castle's Egyptian Hall (May 17)
- Academic program on the anniversary of her death (July 19) with the regional Luise wine edition
- Conclusion with the traditional Army Music Corps Neubrandenburg in the castle park
Prices Luisenjahr Hohenzieritz 2026
On March 14, 2026, admission to the Luise Memorial Site and the celebratory lecture is free. For the subsequent events (reading in May, lecture in July with wine tasting, military concert in September), tiered prices or donation requests apply – current rates at mv-schloesser.de or by phone at +49 385 588 41540.
Practical information — Luisenjahr Hohenzieritz
Getting There
By Car: Take the A20 (Neubrandenburg exit) via the B96 towards Neustrelitz, then the L25 to Hohenzieritz. Parking available at the castle.
By Train: ICE/IC to Neustrelitz Hbf (Berlin–Stralsund line), then bus or taxi (approx. 12 km to the castle).
Admission
Admission prices vary by event. On March 14, 2026 (celebratory lecture), admission to the Luise Memorial Site and the lecture is free. For other events, a moderate admission fee or a call for donations may apply. Current information at mv-schloesser.de.
Luise Memorial Site
Open from April to October (Tues–Sun); often open on special event days as part of the program. Guided tours by prior arrangement. Combined ticket with the castle park.
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Travel to this festival
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Where it takes place Luisenjahr Hohenzieritz
Schloss Hohenzieritz — Luisen-Gedenkstätte
Schlossplatz 3, 17237 Hohenzieritz