Arolsen Castle

Aerial view of Arolsen Castle from the south

Courtyard of Arolsen Castle

Arolsen Castle in 2018

Arolsen Castle (German: Residenzschloss Arolsen) is a baroque-style schloss in Bad Arolsen, Hesse, Germany. The castle is now a museum, and is still inhabited by Wittekind, Prince of Waldeck and Pyrmont and his family.

As a result, it continues to serve as a residence of the former ruling family of the Principality of Waldeck and Pyrmont. It was the birthplace of Princess Emma of Waldeck and Pyrmont, who became the Queen consort of the Netherlands during the late 19th century.

History

Built during the early 18th century, the castle's main building was completed in 1728. The furnishings, equipment, furniture, remained for several decades until the castle was finally handed over to its use.

Built in 1840, the Fürstlich Waldecksche Hofbibliothek (Princely Waldeck Court Library) today contains virtually all literature of the 18th century in relevant fields of knowledge. The collection focuses on the Universal geography, history, literature, and militaria.

In 1992, Jeff Koons created a 13-metre tall topiary sculpture called the Puppy to be displayed at the castle's park.

Arolsen Klebeband

The library is known for its "tape" books or "klebeband" books. These are blank books that could be filled with engravings that were popular among nobility. The Arolsen books are still intact, while many others have been disassembled in the past. These have been digitised by a society created specifically for this purpose.

References

• Residenzschloss Arolsen (German)
• Eduard Brauns: Wanderungen durch Nordhessen und Waldeck. A. Bernecker Verlag Melsungen, 1971
• Grieben Reiseführer Oberhessen. Band 230, Karl Thiemig München, 1981
• Schloss Arolsen. Große Baudenkmäler Heft 147, Deutscher Kunstverlag, 1980, S. 2–15, o.V.

External links

• Residenzschloss Arolsen (in German)