Open Palace
Text from Uniquole and Kulturstiftung Dessau_Worlitz:
In the summer of 2012, Oranienbaum Palace will be hosting an exhibition of contemporary Dutch design and fashion in combination with historical artefacts from the Dutch Royal Archives. Built for Henriette Catharina, Princess of Anhalt-Dessau, Oranienbaum is part of the heritage of the House of Orange-Nassau. With a major conservation and refurbishment process nearing completion, the palace and its park have been restored to their former grandeur.
Some 50 rooms in the palace feature examples of contemporary excellence in craftsmanship – furniture, jewellery, glass and ceramics, hand-sewn fashion items and accessories – set off with examples of china and other decorative arts. Care has been taken to reflect the original function of each room.
The walls are hung with splendid portraits of Queen Beatrix, Princess Máxima, Amalia van Solms, Prince Frederik Hendrik and Prince Willem II.
The exhibition features work by prominent Dutch designers like
- Viktor & Rolf,
- Gijs Bakker,
- Hella Jongerius,
- Spijkers & Spijkers,
- Marcel Wanders,
- Jan Taminiau,
- Iris van Herpen,
- Scholten & Baijings and
- Piet Hein Eek.
However, young up-and-coming talent is also in evidence.
With its Delft blue tile panels, royal portraits, ornate ceilings and decorated walls, Oranienbaum Palace is reliving its heyday.
The Palace is fortunate to have Queen Beatrix Patron lady of the restoration.
