Hornow Castle

Hornow Castle essentially took on its present form in 1862, when it was converted into the stately home of the Wilkins family. Remodelling plans from 1790 have been found which prove that parts of the castle are significantly older.

The Hornow estate was first mentioned in documents around 1436 and changed hands several times until it passed to the Wilkins family in 1862. The former Spremberg district administrator and church patron Dr Erwin Wilkins, who owned a coal mine and several plantations in what was then West Usambara (now Tanzania), came into wealth, which he used to convert the manor house into a "castle" in 1903 and considerably expand the park. In 1944, a section of the Swedish embassy was relocated from Berlin to Hornow, and a year later it was occupied by Soviet soldiers. After the end of the war, the Wilkins family was expropriated. Displaced persons were then housed in the castle in 1946, until two years later an infirmary and a kindergarten were established. Between 1997 and 2009, the interior and exterior of the castle were renovated and today it is used not only as a museum but also as a cultural centre.

This history can be explored with numerous illustrations, depictions and individual pieces from the castle's history in the former manor house. The castle itself is also an "exhibit" with its unique ceiling painting by Max Rabes, one of the most recognised German painters of the Wilhelmine era, its special parquet floors from its own plantation, some of which have been preserved in their original state, the original window darkening options in the so-called Empire Hall and many more highlights. There is a story to tell about every detail.

Special exhibitions and accompanying programmes

Hornow Castle regularly becomes a centre of culture. Concerts, readings, theatre, cabaret, cinema, art exhibitions and much more take place here. It also houses a so-called "open bookcase".

^{Photo: Carmen Schimmack}