Schaezlerpalais, Augsburg

Palace in Augsburg

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Gerd Eichmann

Tucked within the heart of Augsburg's Old Town, the Schaezlerpalais is one of the must-see places in Augsburg, combining artistic splendor, architectural grace, and historical charm. Built in the 18th century for banker Benedikt Adam Freiherr von Liebert, the palace once hosted emperors and aristocrats, and today welcomes visitors into its richly adorned halls and grand galleries. Its crowning glory, the Goldener Saal - or Golden Hall - shimmers with gilded stucco, frescoed ceilings, and mirrored walls, earning its place among the most beautiful Rococo interiors in Europe.

The palace is more than just a feast for the eyes; it's a window into Augsburg's golden age of art and commerce. With its intimate courtyards, hidden gardens, and world-class art collection, this is a highlight of any walking tour of Augsburg and a perfect stop for lovers of Baroque and Rococo design.

History and Significance of Schaezlerpalais
Things to See and Do in Schaezlerpalais
How to Get There
Practical Tips on Visiting Schaezlerpalais
Is Schaezlerpalais Worth Visiting?

History and Significance of Schaezlerpalais

Constructed between 1764 and 1770, the Schaezlerpalais was designed by architect Carl Albert von Lespilliez for a wealthy Augsburg banker whose family was deeply involved in trade and finance during the city's peak economic era. The palace served as a private residence and social venue for the elite, showcasing the wealth and artistic taste of Augsburg's merchant class. Its Rococo design, characterized by lightness, fluid ornamentation, and theatrical flair, reflected the cosmopolitan influences of the time.

In later centuries, the palace changed hands and purposes before being gifted to the city of Augsburg. Today, it serves as a museum and cultural center, preserving both the artistic heritage of the city and the legacy of Augsburg's role as a cultural crossroads in Europe. Its survival through wars and urban development makes it one of the top sights in Augsburg for architecture and history enthusiasts.

Things to See and Do in Schaezlerpalais

The undisputed highlight of the palace is the Goldener Saal, an exquisite ballroom that dazzles with mirrors, gilded reliefs, and a breathtaking ceiling fresco celebrating mythological and allegorical scenes. Sunlight streaming through the tall windows transforms the room into a glowing sea of gold and pastel hues - a photographer’s dream.

Beyond the Golden Hall, the palace houses the Bavarian State Gallery, which includes one of Germany's most significant collections of Baroque paintings, with works by masters such as Rubens, van Dyck, and Tiepolo. Visitors can also explore the German Baroque Gallery and the Karl and Magdalene Haberstock Collection, featuring sculpture, portraiture, and decorative arts. For a peaceful escape, the adjoining garden offers a tranquil space framed by elegant arcades and fountains - one of the things to do in Augsburg if you're seeking both beauty and calm.

How to Get There

Schaezlerpalais is centrally located on Maximilianstraße in Augsburg's Old Town, just a short walk from the Rathausplatz and the Augsburg City Hall. From Augsburg Hauptbahnhof (main station), it’s about a 15-minute walk or a short tram ride (Line 1 toward Lechhausen, stop at “Moritzplatz”). Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio. Paid parking is available at the City-Galerie or Ernst-Reuter-Platz garages, though the palace is best explored on foot as part of a stroll through the city’s historic center. If you are looking to rent a car in Germany I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting Schaezlerpalais

Best time to visit Schaezlerpalais: Morning or early afternoon when the Golden Hall is illuminated by natural light.
Entrance fee in Euros: Around €4 for adults; discounted tickets available for students and groups.
Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; closed Mondays.
Official website: www.augsburg.de/schaezlerpalais
How long to spend: 1-1.5 hours to explore both the palace and its art collections.
Accessibility: Most rooms are accessible via elevator; some older sections have steps and uneven floors.
Facilities: Cloakroom, restrooms, and small gift shop.
Photography tip: Use the balcony of the Golden Hall to capture the symmetry of its mirrored walls.
Guided tours: Available in German and English; check schedules at the ticket desk.
Nearby food options: Plenty of cafés and restaurants along Maximilianstraße offering Bavarian and Mediterranean cuisine.

Is Schaezlerpalais Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Schaezlerpalais is one of the top attractions in Augsburg, offering a rare chance to experience the grandeur of 18th-century Rococo architecture up close. Its dazzling Golden Hall alone justifies the visit, while the surrounding art galleries and gardens add depth and serenity. Whether you're an art lover, a history buff, or simply curious about Augsburg's cultural past, the palace offers an unforgettable glimpse into the elegance of bygone eras.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.5 (1,428)

Schaezlerpalais on Maximilianstraße 46 is an 18th‑century Baroque palace with opulent, carefully preserved interiors, including a striking Rococo ballroom and a Baroque Gallery with frescoes and gilded details; visitors praise the informative guided tours and knowledgeable, friendly staff, note the pleasant courtyards and gardens, and find it a compact art museum with strong local painting collections that's easy to visit while in central Augsburg.

Evgeniy Smelik

a week ago

"We really enjoyed the Schaezlerpalais. The big Rococo ballroom was beautiful, even though it felt a bit cold inside. The palace is in a great centrallocation, and the staff were friendly and helpful. It was a lovely place to visit...."

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ShaunH290

8 months ago

"The tickets for the Maximilianmuseum gave half price tickets for this palace. As a museum and art gallery, the former is much better than the latterbut the double height ballroom has to be seen to be believed. At the grand opening in April 1770, the 14-year-old Marie Antoinette, on her bridal journey to Versailles, is supposed to have danced through a pair of red shoes in the two-story ballroom. Wolfgang Freiherr von Schaezler donated the building to the city of Augsburg in memory of his sons who died in WW2, provided that it should never be sold and that it should be used exclusively for cultural purposes. It now houses the City's art collection. He also gave 138 hectares of forest to the city of Augsburg to maintain the building. The formal gardens are also nice. The art collection is fine (nothing special) but the ballroom is spectacular!..."

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Yara Nasser

a week ago

"The interior is stu ing – every room exudes history and carefully preserved details. I especially loved the Baroque Gallery with its frescoes andgolden accents. I felt as if I had stepped back into the 18th century. The guided tour was informative, and the guide knew how to share fascinating anecdotes...."

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Grigeli

a year ago

"Visiting the Schaezlerpalais in Augsburg was an unforgettable experience. The building itself is a masterpiece of architecture, full of beautifuldetails and history. Walking through the richly decorated rooms feels like stepping back in time. The highlight for me was the breathtaking Rococo ballroom — it’s absolutely magnificent! The art collections are impressive too. Everything is very well presented, and the staff were friendly and helpful. If you love art, history, or architecture, the Schaezlerpalais is a must-see during your stay in Augsburg...."

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raha khakpur

a year ago

"Absolutely stu ing! Schaezlerpalais is a true gem, rich in history and breathtakingly beautiful. A special highlight of our visit was the detailedand passionate explanation given by a knowledgeable guide who shared the fascinating story behind this place and its remarkable paintings. Her insights brought the history and art to life, making the experience even more memorable. Highly recommend visiting! And also it was Free on first Sunday of November..."

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Alina Pandazi

6 months ago

"Amazing place! Staff is very helpful. The guy from the main gorgeous room told us a mirror 🪞 secret. The lady from reception was super friendly.Highly recommend!..."

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The Schaezlerpalais appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Augsburg!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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