Wernigerode (dpa/sa) – In the coming years, large investments will be made in the buildings and grounds of Wernigerode Castle in the Harz Mountains. By the end of 2025, around 10.6 million euros are to flow into various measures, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Tourism, Agriculture and Forestry announced on Wednesday at the groundbreaking ceremony at the start of construction work. The state supports the projects with 9.8 million euros, which the Wernigerode Castle Foundation receives. The aim is a “generation-fair conversion”, it said.

According to the ministry, all of the exterior areas of the complex, the interior rooms that are significant in terms of architectural history and all the important exhibition areas of the palace are part of the work. They would be barrier-free and more modern, they said. For example, an elevator will be installed in the Hausmannsturm to make it easier for older people, people with disabilities and families to move around the castle. New exhibition rooms would also be created in the summer house, and the terrace surface and the visitor guidance system would also be improved, it said.

Wernigerode Castle with its museum is a center for art and cultural history of the 19th century and also a Harz landmark, film set and monument. Every year around 200,000 guests from Germany and abroad come to see the building and the exhibitions or to attend events.