The New Palace (or the Neues Palais) began construction in 1763 and was completed in 1769. Planning for the New Palace were discussed in the early 1750s, and plans for a palace were in an advanced stage by the start of the Seven Years’ War in 1756. Originally, a large palace was to be constructed on a site south of Sanssouci on a bend of the Havel, a site that matched the architectural criteria of the Baroque. At the end of the war though, Frederick the Great decided on a different site: the western end of Sanssouci Park. Years of war and declining health contributed to the change of sites as well as possible difficulties in purchasing the site on the Havel.
Frederick the Great showed off his nearly acquired power and strength from the Seven Years’ War in the building of this Palace. Before the war, Europe had expected to see Prussia destroyed. Even Frederick the Great described the project as a “‘fanfaronnade,’ a blowing of his own trumpet” (Prestel 5).
The King himself rarely stayed in this palace. Instead, it was used for guests, celebrations, and official needs. In contrast to the rather modest and personal Sanssouci Palace, the New Palace has nearly 1,000 rooms including grand banquet halls, splendid galleries, and regally designed suites. Visitors can also view original pieces of 18th century art within the palace.
The original whole facade of the place was to be constructed of red bricks with white mortar, but it was difficult to procure the materials. Instead, the king settled for having the main wing plastered and then painted bright red.
Much of the New Palace is currently under construction. The Grotto Hall and the Marble Hall have been reopened to visitors.