Twice an evening, a professional light show with up to 100 flying, controllable LED lights can be seen above the rooftops of Sanssouci Palace, dancing a performance reminiscent of many little fireflies.

Born in Georgia, USA, Ingrid Arthur is one of the most powerful voices of soul and gospel in the world. In the course of her career, she has worked with many international stars. At home on stages in New York, Paris, London and Berlin, she now lives in the German capital and inspires audiences as a solo artist with her captivating performances. Full of passion with values important to her, such as inclusion, respect and appreciation, she has won over many donors in her gospel workshops and charity concerts; both with her motto “Music is stronger than words, it’s the only thing people listen to”. Ingrid Arthur became internationally known and popular as the former singer of one of the hottest European duos, the “Weather Girls”, with their worldwide hit “It’s raining Men”. No dancing legs will be left on the floor here.

The Busch Company presents anarchic comedy, magical oddities and live music in a fast-paced, comic show, accompanied by great swing music and Latin classics. The company consists of Bernd Busch (comedian, clown, comedian), Alexander Merk (magician) and Tommy Feiler (guitar). Comedy, modern musical clowning, magical wonders and oddities and great live music, jazzy groove, in a unique cocktail. More is not possible!

The portrayal of historical figures and fictional characters is intended to arouse curiosity about past eras in a place that is more suitable than any other. Inspired by the hustle and bustle of the Prussian court, the Courtly Society creates spontaneous scenes to the delight of its audience. Always according to the motto: “Not quite authentic, but imaginative and fabulous.” A crowd-puller – see for yourself.

This year, short plays with exciting show fights expand the program of the theater fencers at the Potsdamer Schlössernacht. The program is flexible, ranging from courtly themes to pirate scenes. Love, fame and honor are the focus – just like in real life. The short plays each last about 5 to 7 minutes and contain a self-contained plot. Sven Richter is a trained theater fencing instructor and invites you, the audience, to join in and try it out. In the theater fencing workshop, participants learn the basics of theater fencing (footwork and handling the weapon). You will then practise a small (predetermined) fight with a total of 12 actions, including acting techniques to underline the drama.

Two “show-offs” who pretend to be supernatural: A charming impresario presents a handful of attractions, combined with the person of the uncannily gifted and multi-talented Ms. Thompson. She inflates her head like a balloon, reads minds, transmits touch, brings the strongest men to their knees and conjures up poltergeists. These are false miracles performed by real swindlers in a cabinet of curiosities full of bizarre illusions. In their multi-award-winning SchaubudenZauberRevue, Sia and Thomas Thompson (England/Germany) perform tricks that are rarely, if ever, seen on German stages. These are intelligent routines with a quiet sense of humor that leave the audience wondering whether it is all real or ‘just’ a stylishly staged hoax by two exceptionally original magicians.

Günther Stolarz sings unforgettable melodies with his great operatic voice. Isabel Schumann accompanies him on the accordion and piano. The concert tour leads from Italian, Spanish, French and German songs to opera and operetta. A classical concert is presented in a relaxed, entertaining and rousing manner. Lively contact with the audience alternates with a goosebump experience. The duo has also won many hearts with its “KiezKonzerte” concerts in Berlin’s squares, and they are sure to do the same with yours.

Dishes and tables at the Prussian court were not only a feast for the senses and pleasures, but also always places of representation and communication. The food, drinks, menu courses and sequences, porcelain, tableware and the invitation of guests were carefully chosen depending on the occasion and the nature of the courtly feast. Even the seating arrangement at the table followed the courtly ceremonial. Following these exciting historical traces, an excerpt from the treasure trove of royal table culture is shown in cooperation with the Verein Königliche Tafelfreunde e.V. (Royal Table Friends Association).

The candlelight concert is a romantic experience. In the glow of countless candles, you can listen to Hans Zimmer’s haunting music, which is perfectly accentuated by the unique acoustics of the western Plant Hall and is also transmitted to the orangery palace’s terrace.

While Maurice Ravel meets Duke Ellington, Johann Sebastian Bach plays with Metallica, Erik Satie hangs out with Milt Jackson in a jazz club.
Oli Bott consistently plays his own music, which feels its way into completely different musical languages, epochs and cultures, while he carves out impressive moods on the metal discs like a sculptor.
Oli Bott – vibraphone – “A man possessed with four mallets who drums on the discs so fast that you can hardly see him, causing his audience to erupt with enthusiasm.” Der Tagesspiegel

A freestanding, air-filled arch 12 m high that changes color with its own light show and frames a hypnotic aerial dancer. Designed to the classic proportions of a “quinto accuto” pointed arch, this magnificent structure combines sculptural installation and dynamic circus. Arco is presented by The Dream Engine, a touring performance troupe from the UK. The Dream Engine has been creating unique and unusual performance installations that enchant and amaze audiences around the globe for over 25 years. In August, they will be part of the Potsdamer Schlössernacht and are sure to wow you.

Wherever they perform, nobody stays seated. Ten ukuleles, three singers, a bass and percussion – that’s the Ukulele-Kombinat from Berlin Prenzlauer Berg. Under the direction of musician Raphael Dlugajczyk, the 15-piece combo delights audiences with a unique blend of virtuosity and captivating stage presence. With cleverly arranged pieces from pop, alternative rock, post-punk, new wave and synth pop, the musicians prove how multi-layered the small stringed instrument is. Their perfectly harmonised, polyphonic arrangements lend a special touch to well-known songs by Amy Winehouse, David Bowie, The Cure, Depeche Mode, Kraftwerk and Patti Smith, among others. An unforgettable concert experience is guaranteed.

First aid for weirdos & sympathizers – Laura Dilettante is a “One Woman Traveling Music Show” that has evolved over years of traveling and performing in Europe, North and South America. “Crazy and subtle. Laura Dilettante is a dazzling musician. Her songs are cheeky but always charming, silly but never trivial. She dedicates her songs to the weirdos as consolation and counts herself among them. Her program is an infectious plea for feeling yourself, loving yourself, thinking about yourself and laughing at yourself.” Laura Dilettante sings and plays songs she has written herself, old jazz pieces, cabaret, songs from the twenties and unusual cover versions. On the accordion, the piano and the ukulele; to comfort the crazy, the hopeful and the hopeless romantics.

Forget everyday life for a few minutes, fasten your seatbelts and get your suitcases ready – The Airlettes are a swing trio in a class of their own and will take you on a journey where you will not only experience musical flights of fancy “above the clouds”. Off you go with a suitcase full of close harmony, swing, jazz and rockabilly. Close your eyes and now, please fasten your seatbelt and have fun on your musical journey.

Potsdam pianist Albrecht Gieseler says of his new stage program – songs that life writes: “Love, humour, irony, melancholy and drama are important ingredients for an eventful life. Whether you make it salty or sweet depends entirely on you. Be free, courageous and independent, because too many cooks spoil the broth. Live with heart, mind and goodness, and many will feast at your table. Don’t just play music, but live it. Only then will they acquire a taste for it.” The musician presents his own pieces, well-known songs by German singer-songwriters and world hits. Let yourself be enchanted.

The Botanical Garden of the University of Potsdam is dedicated to the study and presentation of the plant world. In ten show greenhouses and around 5 hectares of open-air grounds, a total of around 8,500 different plant taxa from all continents illustrate the diversity of species, genetics, leaf, stem and flower forms, life forms and adaptations to specific habitats, reproduction and dispersal methods and much more. Numerous guided tours and events throughout the year as well as signposting explain interesting facts about the plants and parts of the facility.
The show greenhouses are open from 6 pm to 11 pm during the Potsdam Palace Night. They are illuminated as dusk falls and the whistling frogs living there offer visitors a completely different kind of sound experience. Around 50 visitors can be in the greenhouses at the same time.

There is a lot to see in the show greenhouses during the Schlössernacht. For example, the giant water lily Victoria, the Achimenes collection with over 100 species and varieties in (almost) every imaginable colour and numerous other tropical plants are in bloom. The exhibition “Colonial Continuities” provides information about the role of botanical gardens in the history of exploitation and oppression during the period of European expansion and colonisation. It is the first exhibition on the subject nationwide and it also contributed to the successful evaluation for this year’s Climate Prize in the category “Climate Justice, Biodiversity and Anti-Colonialism” awarded by the City of Potsdam. The current special exhibition “Biological Microstructures in Fashion and Design” shows works by fashion designer Celina Hertzsprung as a fusion of plant structures and fashion.

The Botanical Garden is an institution of the University of Potsdam. It is taking part in the Potsdam Palace Night in order to make you, the visitor, a special offer. Please understand the opening and closing times and the limited admission.

At the Blaues Wunder (bridge on the Ökomomieweg / corner at the park nursery), the tree-planting wagon from Branitz Palace Park, which was modelled on a historical example, is on permanent display. Prince Pückler used this wagon to transplant large and old trees. He will talk about his work and the technique of transplanting trees during the Castle Night.

The chamber of horrors

The shadow realm is the paradise of fantasists. Here they find an unlimited land where they can cultivate themselves at will,” Kant knew. And Lessing said: “In broad daylight, one hears ghosts mocked with delight, and in the dark of night, one hears them told with horror.” On the one hand there are otherworldly spirits and ghosts, on the other horror creatures that are anchored in the earthly and whose horror does not originate from the supernatural. The infernal trio of the Thalbach clan – mother, daughter, granddaughter – is the ideal constellation for tracing every conceivable ghost and horror story: fearless and daring, they walk over dead bodies without batting an eyelid. With stories by Ambrose Bierce, Edgar Allan Poe, E.T.A. Hofmann, Bram Stoker, Kurt Tucholsky and others. Sanssouci Park provides the perfect setting in the shadow of the dark night and some of them may even hear a little owl calling…

Since 2021, Stefan Degel has dedicated himself intensively to composing for classical guitar.
His first EP with six solo pieces meandering between classical and jazz called “Journey to the unknown” is about to be released. Guests at the Potsdamer Schlössernacht will have the opportunity to dream themselves into it live.

Encouraged by the idea of establishing new repertoire for classical guitar, emotional pieces have been created that leave a deep impression.

Located right next to the Meierei, the park nursery opens its doors to visitors to the Palace Night. You can look forward to the commitment of the Sanssouci gardeners, who will provide guests of the Potsdam Palace Night with tips and tricks on planting and care in their nursery. We ourselves are very excited to see what special things they will come up with this year to delight our guests…

LASCA FOX is an entertainer from Berlin who offers sustainable music entertainment on his LASCA FOX MOBIL. What is that? The LASCA FOX MOBIL is a mobile stage consisting of an electric cargo bike and a special trailer that transports speakers, lights, instruments and a few surprises. Everything is powered by a battery that is charged by solar panels. Of course, LASCA FOX also travels to its concerts by bike and has already covered over 8,000 kilometers since 2022. Completely emission-free! …and unique…

Giorgia Job is a one-woman band from Berlin. She plays guitar, looper, harmonica and kicks an old suitcase called Ursula. She has been performing on the streets of the city for many years, where she finds the inspiration for her songs. With her raspy voice, she tells bizarre stories about murderers, dinosaurs, 24-hour bars and other beautiful things.

Die Vorführungen der Horus-Falknerei – ein lebendiges Weltkulturerbe!Erleben Sie den Zauber der Falknerei und damit Einblicke in eine fast vergessene Jagdkunst. Begegnen Sie Falken, Adlern, Eulen, Bussarden und Windhunden hautnah in anspruchsvollen Shows mit Spaß und Infotainment. Bei rasanten Jagdflügen zeigen die Vögel ihr Tempo und ihre Geschicklichkeit und lassen sich im nächsten Moment von Kindern und Erwachsenen handhaben, füttern und fotografieren. Von der Kunst, mit dem Falken zu jagen schrieb Kaiser Friedrich II. von Hohenstaufen in seinem legendären Falkenbuch. Ebenso grundsätzlich wie einzigartig bei dieser Art zu jagen ist das enge Vertrauensverhältnis und das gegenseitige Verständnis zwischen Menschen und Greifvogel. Adler, Falken und Bussarde lassen in zwanglosem Zusammenspiel mit Windhunden im historischen Park Sanssouci die Zeiten des Falkenkaisers lebendig werden und bieten ein hautnahes Erlebnis.

Mittelalter – die Blütezeit der Falknerei
Die Falknerei ist seit dem Mittelalter eine faszinierende und hochgeschätzte Tradition. Sie erreichte in dieser Epoche in Europa und besonders in Deutschland ihren kulturellen Höhepunkt. Berühmte Jagdschlösser zeugen von der Faszination, die sie auf Fürsten und Könige ausübte.
Menschen, die diese anspruchsvolle Kunst beherrschten, wurden aufgrund ihrer Qualifikation in die höchsten Staatsämter berufen und waren Berater und Diplomaten im Dienst von Kaisern und Königen.

Acrobatics with bounce – thrills and humor come together in Aramelo’s show. The duo has found a refreshing way to combine trampoline tricks with hand-to-hand acrobatics and spread a lot of good humor in the process. Seemingly weightless, the two acrobats fly through the air and use the trampoline in their very own way to create a delightful duet with uplifting music and lots of spectacular stunts. The two acrobats are happy to share their passion with you and will amaze and amuse you with their humorous stories.

In recent years, the talking trees have become the favorites of the public and Sanssouci’s gardeners. The guests stand mesmerized in front of the metre-high, old giants and listen to their unique stories. Max Moor and Anna Thalbach lend them their voices.

Charisma and charm, verve and virtuosity. The New Classic Duo captivates with its exuberant joy of playing and shimmering interpretations. In the world of classical music, Julia Smirnova on the violin and Konstantin Manaev on the cello have made an outstanding name for themselves beyond the borders of Germany and Europe. The winners of international competitions are looking forward to delighting the guests of the Potsdam Castle Night with their romantically mischievous sounds.

Framed by steles and accompanied by music, it’s a wonderful stroll along the Ökonomieweg towards the Meiereiwiese, Selloweg, Chinese House or Teahouse.

LED show
This LED show presents sophisticated multi-hooping tricks with lots of musicality, creating poetic images. Immerse yourself in a futuristic world of planets and butterflies and be enchanted by an imaginative mixture of virtuoso skill and playful extravagance. The finale with five glowing hula hoops sets the wow climax.

Street show “Cheerful to cloudy”
Dress warmly. In this show, the hula hoops are almost as crazy as the weather. Kristin Lahoop takes you on a journey through all the seasons. With an umbrella, pink hula hoops, humor and a lot of imagination, she fights her way through all weather conditions and encounters the pitfalls of everyday life. With a twinkle in her eye, she shows that it is human to make mistakes and that the weather is to blame for everything anyway. Whether it’s raining or the sun is shining, this show will warm your heart.

Hands-on station
Here you will be shown and taught how to swing the hula-hoop easily on your hips and which first tricks not only look good, but also feel good! Why not give it a try!

Max is an experienced and charming entertainer. With his academic training as a draughtsman and his love of caricature, he makes guests laugh like a clown and enchants them like a magician. Pyrography is the art of fire painting. But Max wouldn’t be Max if he didn’t make something very special out of this method: he draws with sparklers. The results are impressive and literally stay in your memory. Experience an unprecedented spectacle with Max during the Potsdamer Schlössernacht.

The musician from Leipzig sings everything possible and impossible about herself, others and the world. With voice, cello, guitar, loop station and a pinch of wit, she not only performs folk songs from northern to Eastern Europe, but also sets poems, her own compositions, covers and improvisations on the cello. Dance, dream, enjoy!

Pablo Schwarz is a singer-songwriter and Latin guitarist who was born in Argentina and lives in Germany. His style combines characteristic percussive guitar sounds with rhythms from the coast of Buenos Aires. He presents unique cover and original songs.

As we all know, paper is patient. In Mr Lo’s case, it also looks perfectly formed, as Lorenzo Torres has revived the almost lost art of paper tearing. He dynamically and perfectly creates new, colourful and different paper objects at incredible speed. The lovable gentleman with the newspaper hat sets no limits to his imagination.

Since 2018, Sanssouci Park has relied on ecological meadow maintenance by sheep. This makes a direct contribution to nature conservation because, unlike the heavy machinery that was used to mow the areas until 2018, the animals do not consume diesel and do not unnecessarily compact the soil in the sensitive parks.

The animals in the park are Guteschafe sheep, one of the oldest domestic sheep breeds, originally from Sweden. What is special about them: Both sexes have snail-shaped horns. The animals are very robust and frugal and are therefore regularly used in nature reserves. Good sheep are also curious and relaxed in contact with people.

Find out what it means to be a shepherd in Sanssouci Park.

For the welfare of the animals, visitors are asked not to enter the meadow areas, which are enclosed by mobile electric fences.

Pictures say more than 1000 words: the guests simply have a lot of fun! Bastian’s photo walk act is so refreshingly relaxed that it’s no wonder every guest is happy to stand in front of the nostalgic record camera.

Childhood dreams come true – and in a very special way. Anyone can go to a fairground – at the Potsdamer Schlössernacht, the Ferris wheel and carousel get legs and run through the park with the visitors. They run after the guests and charmingly offer to join in and marvel.

With his glowing and steaming vehicle Smoky 41, Güstaf seems to come from a mysteriously strange and yet familiar world. Visitors to the event will dream and marvel as Güstaf and Smoky unleash their magical play of light. Inspired by the encounter with the audience, Güstaf playfully creates surprising moments outside of space and time – sometimes funny, sometimes touching and sometimes simply beautiful. To linger and be amazed!

This installation works best in pairs.
Stand on one side of the mirror with a second person and look at each other.
Your faces should be at roughly the same height.
Now vary the position slightly to “swap” nose, eyes, mouth or body.
Who is actually who now?

Igor Budinstein (principal violist of the German Symphony Orchestra) plays virtuoso music on the violin and explains why Paganini spent 100 years travelling, how kings shaped musical careers and why slow dances were favoured at court. A cheerful infotainment with music by Bach, Paganini, Ysaÿe and Piazzolla.

Man-made climate change is also affecting Sanssouci Park in Potsdam. Extreme heat, intense sunlight and persistent drought have damaged almost 80 percent of the trees in the UNESCO World Heritage park. Between 160 and 300 of them have had to be felled every year since 2017. The gardeners and conservationists at the Prussian Palaces and Gardens Foundation Berlin-Brandenburg (SPSG) have long been researching how the trees’ resilience to the effects of climate change can be strengthened. In the open-air exhibition, which takes place in the heart of Sanssouci Park, the SPSG shares its findings with visitors. Numerous approaches, strategies and progress are presented at many exhibition stations. Interested visitors will also receive tips on how they can help protect the environment and the climate in their everyday lives. Near the Western Vineyard Terraces, for example, the focus is on water, while northwest of the Chinese House information is provided on tree life and death. The exhibition not only highlights problems and challenges, but also presents ideas, scientific approaches and pioneering experiments. For example, visitors will learn about a promising new generation of trees in an “oak nursery” and can experience a variety of alternative and water-saving irrigation methods in action. The Fürst-Pückler-Museum – Park and Palace Branitz Foundation is also a guest with a station and will be presenting its work as part of the cooperation “Historic Gardens in a Changing Climate. Perspectives for the green cultural heritage of Sanssouci and Branitz” and will be presenting its tree university. The exhibition is complemented by a variety of suggestions on how visitors can become active themselves. Particularly important here is the importance of joint commitment to the protection of climate and nature – because only together can we shape a future for the World Heritage Site.