Shards bring luck

A visit to the Leuchtenburg

Have you ever smashed a plate on purpose? It only happens to me by accident, and I regret the loss of my lovely tableware. That is exactly what I did during my visit to the Leuchtenburg: I purposefully destroyed some porcelain. However, on the way there, I encountered and witnessed even more intriguing events...

There it stands, on a mountain top. She is known as the "Queen of the Saale Valley" for a reason. She gazes majestically over the Mediterranean-like Saale Valley. Now I do, as I stare over the fortress walls. However, this will not be the most gorgeous view up here.

The facets of porcelain

The Leuchtenburg houses the "Porcelain Worlds" exhibition. In Seven Worlds, I take a journey through porcelain history. I travel to faraway locations to learn about the origins of white gold or experiment in an alchemist's kitchen. Here, I attempt to build the ideal porcelain combo. I don't want to give too much away, as I don't want to spoil the fun of your own visit ...

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Ausstellung auf der Leuchtenburg ©Alexander Schlotter, Stiftung Leuchtenburg


Big and small - face to face 

… In the exhibition, two superlatives are shown next to each other, contrasting the idea of big and little. A vase looms in front of me. Unfortunately, despite the old building's high walls, it does not fit on my coffee table; it is eight meters tall and currently holds the title of the world's largest vase. 

Größte Porzellanvase der Welt, Museum Leuchtenburg

ARURA, World's biggest Vase ©Stiftung Leuchtenburg

My gaze falls on a glass box on the wall. Ah, this is more suited to my dining table. A tiny jug stands on a transparent holder. It is the smallest porcelain jug ever made, measuring 4 x 4 x 3 millimetres. Fun fact: it really works. But how often would I have to make tea in it so that the guests at my table don't die of thirst?

Invisible Wishes on a Plate

The highlight of my visit is found at the end of the show, in the repository of wishes. I walk into a room that is completely black. Words slowly form around me. They develop wishes. Suddenly, porcelain shatters and disappears.

There are also the plates that will soon learn to fly. I take one and write my wish on it with a pen. The ink disappears in sunlight. So I stroll outdoors onto the footbridge of wishes written in invisible characters. The footbridge stands 20 meters above the castle wall and hovers over the Saale valley. I'm not completely free of vertigo but here's the vista that much outshines the one I saw at the start of my vacation. I bravely approach the end and hurl my porcelain. I watch it glide into the depths and break. Exciting. 

©Alexander Schlotter, Stiftung Leuchtenburg

However, I completely forgot to think about my wish again... Oops, I'll have to come back again. I've heard that the Christmas market at the castle is enchanting. So I found my reason right away.

 

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An experience for everyone

The Leuchtenburg Foundation is committed to making Leuchtenburg Castle and its exhibitions accessible to all! The easily accessible panorama route around the castle provides breathtaking views and creates an unforgettable impression of the castle. Wheelchair users who want to access to the castle easily can drive themselves to the forecourt. The castle courtyard's paving has been redone with sawn shell limestone slabs, making it easily accessible to wheelchair users with companions, walking frames, and baby carriages. An elevator transports tourists to the porcelain treasures and allows them to continue their tour without walking. The visitor center, which includes a bistro and a terrace, is accessible from ground level.

 

Head picture: Expositions at the Leuchtenburg ©Stiftung Leuchtenburg

Accessibility information

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