Conference in Kassel. Lecture hall at the Hessian State Museum
Art as a Medium of Communication in the Central German Courts: Residences and Gardens around 1800
June 27th to June 29th, 2025

Gardens and residences are interrelated and influence each other in their origin, development, and significance. This interplay, which has so far been insufficiently considered in garden and residence research, is the focus of the conference. The focus is on central German court and residence cities with their garden facilities from the present-day regions of Hesse, Thuringia, Saxony-Anhalt, and Saxony. Politically, around 1800, these formed an intermediary between the powerful states of Brandenburg-Prussia and Austria. Garden and urban designs within this confederation are used as a means of political-dynastic and cultural-ideological positioning and self-assertion. Arcane and Freemasonic messages also play a role in this.

From an interdisciplinary perspective, ensembles such as the Bergpark in Hessen-Kassel or the Park an der Ilm in Weimar are being examined, as well as lesser researched sites like Wilhelmsthal near Kassel, Bad Liebenstein near Meiningen, Harbke near Magdeburg, or the Seifersdorfer Tal near Dresden. The question being asked is to what extent such garden and palace grounds are part of a mutually enlightening, art-political communication context that constitutes an essential component of their statements.

The event is open to the public and free of charge. Registration on site is requested.

Hessen Kassel Heritage, in cooperation with Philipps University of Marburg
Scientific Management: Prof. Dr. Hendrik Ziegler (Marburg); Dr. Almut Nickel (Kassel)
Organization: Dr. Malena Rotter (Hessen Kassel Heritage)