Höfische Begegnungen (Courtly Encounters)

High-quality porcelain from the Ludwig (Ludwig collection) Bamberg enters into an exciting dialogue with the works of art in the Prince-Bishop's Apartment of the Neue Residenz Bamberg (New Residence Bamberg).

The actual home of the Ludwig Bamberg Collection, a permanent loan from the Peter and Irene Ludwig Foundation to the museums of the city of Bamberg, has been the Altes Rathaus Bamberg (Old Town Hall) for decades. The famous building is now being renovated, making it necessary for the collection to move out temporarily. The objects will be presented in an interim exhibition so that the collection, which is of European importance, remains in the consciousness of the Bamberg population and international guests interested in culture.

The Neue Residenz Bamberg (New Residence Bamberg), which is managed by the Bavarian Palace Administration, is the most suitable place to house porcelain from the 18th century court environment. The prince-bishop's flat on the first floor was furnished from 1703 as the residence of Prince-Bishop Lothar Franz von Schönborn (reigned 1693-1729) and also served as the residence of the later Bamberg prince-bishops. Decorations of different styles come together here to form a richly contrasting ensemble that spans the entire stylistic range of the 18th century. They range from the heavy late Baroque stucco ceilings of Johann Jakob Vogel (1661-1727) to the playful, graceful Régence decorations of the second antechamber and the mature Rococo forms of the "Yellow Parlour" to the cold, shiny Neoclassical stuccowork of Materno Bossi (1737-1802) in the "White Hall" and the 19th century furnishings in the dressing room and bedroom.

Ceramics were also part of the original furnishings of the residence - which was not least due to the enthusiasm for China in the 18th century. The exhibition picks up on this tradition and invites visitors to enjoy exciting encounters between historical room furnishings and ceramic works of art. The porcelain is mainly from the Meissen and Frankenthal manufactories.

The exhibition can be viewed as part of a guided tour of the Prince-Bishop's Apartment and is included in the regular admission price.

Last edited on 05.09.2025