New Residence, the State Gallery

The New Residence with its splendid rooms and lavish furnishings is an impressive reflection of the prince-bishops' life. The state gallery contains a significant collection of old German and baroque paintings.

In 1604 construction work started on the New Residence on Cathedral Square. Prince-bishop Lothar Franz von Schönborn had the two baroque wings built by architect Johann Leonard Dientzenhofer from 1697 to 1703. Valuable furniture, numerous 17th and 18th century rugs and the stucco work by Johann Jakob Vogel illustrate the splendour of court life under the prince bishops. The highlight is, without doubt, the imperial hall painted by Melchior Steidl.

Guided tours of the Prince-Bishop's Apartment take place regularly (in German; every half hour during opening hours). The other rooms can be visited without a guided tour.

The New Residence accommodates a valuable collection of old German and baroque paintings belonging to the art collections of the Bavarian State and the city of Bamberg. The most significant work of art is Hans Baldung Grien's "The Deluge" (1516). Paintings by Lucas Cranach the Elder, Hans von Kulmbach and Flemish and Dutch still-life and landscape paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries are also on display.

Costs

adults 6 Euro, reduced 5 Euro
Children under 18 and pupils free

Opening hours

April till September
9:00AM till 6:00PM

October till March
10:00AM till 4:00PM

Closed: 24. – 25.12, 31.12., 01.01. Fat Tuesday; Guided tours of the Prince-Bishop's Apartment take place regularly (in German; every half hour during opening hours).