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The Hessian nobility wants to donate castles, parks and art collections to the state. Sounds generous, but is it? The case brings back painful memories.
Eichenzell – Who wouldn’t like to get a castle? And parks and art collections too? The state of Hesse actually has such an offer. The objects are about two castles: Fasanerie Castle in Eichenzell and Friedrichshof Castle in Kronberg. Nevertheless, the reaction to the offer is – well: cautious. The state of Hesse wants to take its time deciding on the future of the aristocratic castles. “In a project of this importance, thoroughness comes before speed,” said a spokeswoman for the Ministry of Arts and Culture four weeks after the offer was announced.
The noble family offers the state to take over the cultural foundation of the House of Hesse “with all rights and obligations”.. The offer will be examined with an open mind, the ministry said. The family's art and cultural assets were transferred to this cultural foundation in 2012. The castling is intended to ensure that the cultural assets are permanently preserved and can be experienced by citizens. The announcement recently caused a stir in East Hesse.
Fasanerie Castle: Hesse's nobility makes an offer
First, however, it must be checked “under what legal, financial and organizational conditions” a takeover would be possible. It was not mentioned which options were being discussed: “At this point in time we cannot comment on details, nor on the timing,” said the ministry. Finance Minister Alexander Lorz (CDU) said in January that “we will pay particular attention to how we can cover possible costs from foundation proceeds”.
This caution has a history: in 2005, the state of Hesse bought Erbach Castle in the Odenwald with its historical collection from the noble owners – for 13.3 million euros plus lifelong residence rights for the count. However, there was later criticism, including from the State Audit Office. The state did not calculate the renovation costs carefully enough before the purchase; the costs were significantly higher than initially estimated. The expected crowds of visitors also failed to materialize. In 2025 the castle with its showrooms and the ivory museum was closed to visitors.
According to the “Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung”, the assets of the Cultural Foundation of the House of Hesse are estimated in internal papers at around 450 million euros. But there is a high need for investment in many buildings, the paper writes. “From a purely operational perspective,” the properties are “loss-makers” for the state.
“We are making a good offer,” said Donatus Landgrave of Hesse in an interview with our newspaper. The director of the Fasanerie Museum also sees it that way. In Kronberg and Eichenzell there is “no major need for renovation,” said Markus Miller. The family has invested millions in Fasanerie Castle through its foundation over the past few years. As a luxury hotel, the Schlosshotel Kornberg is naturally also in good condition. “That’s really a fair offer.”
Uncertain future for Fasanerie Castle
If the state of Hesse were the owner of the museum instead of the cultural foundation, “financing would be secured in the long term,” said Miller. On the other hand, he hopes for “better staffing in the museum that would be appropriate to the quality and richness of the art collection.” So far, the castle can only be visited with a guided tour and only in summer. But Miller also has concerns: “On the other hand, it would be a shame if the small, dynamic organization of Schloss Fasanerie were lost in a large state authority.”
An obvious possibility would be to incorporate the objects into the state palaces and gardens of Hesse. The subordinate authority looks after 48 cultural monuments owned by the state, from the Ehrenfels castle ruins to the Lorsch monastery. The latest addition was presented on February 25th: 400 historical objects are returning to the Brentano House in Oestrich-Winkel in the Rheingau thanks to a patron.
The Hessian nobility also offers several residential properties and properties in Eichenzell, Hanau and Kronberg. What exactly lies behind it is not known. “We cannot comment on details at this time,” the ministry said. It is probably about outbuildings of the castle complex mentioned. Wolfsgarten Castle near Langen, the main residence of the House of Hesse, has not yet been mentioned in this context. (with dpa material)
