In October 2013, after three and a half years of construction, the new state parliament building, designed in the historical style of Potsdam City Palace, was completed. Based on the plans of architect Professor Peter Kulka, the entire exterior, including the inner courtyard, was reconstructed according to the Knobelsdorff facade. Inside, it now houses the most modern state parliament building in Germany.
Potsdam City Palace was once considered a masterpiece of the Frederician Rococo style. It acquired its final appearance under Frederick II and Georg Wenzeslaus von Knobelsdorff between 1744 and 1751. The Baroque Hohenzollern palace was destroyed by a British air raid in April 1945 and demolished in 1959/1960 by order of the SED Politburo.
The Fortuna Gate, the former entrance to the castle, was faithfully reconstructed in 2002 and now serves as the main entrance to the state parliament building. The entrance area, the so-called Knobelsdorff Staircase, forms the link between the historic facade and the modern interior design. The plenary hall, the heart of the building, is located on the first floor. The parliamentary groups, the state parliament administration, and the state audit office occupy the 400 offices.
The inner courtyard, the Knobelsdorff staircase, the foyer with its interactive building model, the cafeteria, the state parliament restaurant, and the roof terrace are open to the public from Monday to Friday (except public holidays) without prior registration. In addition, the state parliament's visitor service offers a wide range of educational programs for groups and school classes. Individual visitors can participate in open guided tours of the building every Friday. Registration for these tours is required and can be done via the state parliament's website.
