300 years of Henry of Prussia: celebratory year full of culture and passion!

300 years of Henry of Prussia: celebratory year full of culture and passion!

A very special year is just around the corner: January 18, 2026 marks the 300th anniversary of the birth of Prince Heinrich of Prussia. This anniversary will be celebrated in Rheinsberg Castle, where Heinrich stayed for over five decades and left more of an impact than many realize. Jelle Dierickx, the artistic director of the Rheinsberg music culture, emphasizes that Heinrich had a significant influence on the cultural development of the place - more than his famous brother, Frederick the Great. The celebrations, under the motto “h 300”, promise a lively program that includes both historical insights and modern artistic performances. The Prussian Palaces and Gardens Berlin-Brandenburg Foundation (SPSG) is celebrating this event together with regional actors to focus on Heinrich's multifaceted legacy.

But who was Henry of Prussia really? As the younger brother of Frederick the Great, he was not only well trained in the military field, but also a passionate diplomat and sophisticate who created a court of muses that was unparalleled in Europe. Heinrich brought French culture to Rheinsberg, which even found recognition in Versailles. His marriage to Wilhelmine of Kassel, with whom he was not in love, reflected his true nature: Heinrich was homosexual and had a preference for male favorites. These aspects have often been overlooked during his reign in Prussia, but they are an important piece of the puzzle of his identity and the cultural context of his time. Deutschlandfunk Kultur examines how the term 'homosexuality' was coined in Prussia and how the view of sexual diversity has developed over the years.

Celebrations and cultural events

The “h300” program is coordinated by the Rheinsberg Castle team and combines historical appreciation with contemporary cultural events. Numerous activities are planned for the anniversary year that will make Heinrich's influence in Rheinsberg tangible for both the local population and those interested in culture. The highlights include live paintings by artist Silke Thal and various cultural performances in the castle and in the hedge theater, which put Heinrich's creative legacy in the spotlight.

Henry of Prussia is recognized not only as an often underestimated personality in Brandenburg-Prussian history, but also as a pioneer of tolerance, exchange and enlightenment. These aspects are of central importance for the planned celebrations. The entire program and further information can be found on the special anniversary website 300jahreheinrich.de.

Does to the surprise of many, Prince Heinrich's palace, a place of history, is located near the State Opera in Berlin - but is unknown to many. As part of the anniversary, new life will be breathed into the historic site to honor Heinrich's taste and influence for future generations.

The birthday year starts with a festive start on January 18th. It remains to be seen what new perspectives and thoughts the anniversary will evoke in culture and society.