117. Schlossgespräch – Schinkel und das Hoftheater in Gotha (1836–1840)

About the exhibition

200 years ago, the Ernestine duchies were reorganised, creating the double duchy of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. Under the title ‘Coburg | Gotha | 1826’, an exhibition at various locations in Gotha and Coburg in 2026 will focus on the dynasty's anniversary: while Duke Ernest I of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (1784–1844) will be the centre of attention in Coburg, Gotha will trace his networks at court. Who were the people who worked around the Duke and shaped the administration and (re)design of the collections in the wake of the dynastic change? The anniversary exhibition documents the upheaval in the form of letters of homage in silk and paper and tells the story of the collection through exhibits in silver filigree, majolica, shells and minerals, as well as on paper. It highlights the breaks in the collections, but also and especially their continuity.

The Gotha exhibition will be on display from 12 April to 5 July 2026 and is a joint project of the Gotha Research Library of the University of Erfurt and the Friedenstein Foundation Gotha. The extensive supporting programme can be found in the flyer or on the exhibition page.

The Thuringian Castles and Gardens Foundation is presenting an accompanying exhibition in the ducal chambers in the north wing from 12 April 2026 to 3 January 2027. Illuminated steles highlight the background and protagonists of the events around 1826, especially Ernst I and his wife Luise. What impact did the redistribution of the Ernestine territories have on the Thuringian residential landscape as a whole? In addition, the rooms of Duke Ernst I at Friedenstein Castle will be brought back to life with historical illustrations by Ferdinand Rothbart.

Please also note the events in Coburg (only in German).