The Guelphs' State Carriage - Visit Hannover

Museum Schloss Herrenhausen

State coach of the Guelphs

Experience the Guelphs’ ceremonial carriages at the Museum Schloss Herrenhausen in Hannover—royal splendor and history in a unique exhibition.

Four carriages, one kingdom. Hanover

The magnificent carriages of the House of Hannover are not only impressive examples of royal pomp, but also a significant part of our cultural heritage, which can now be admired in all its splendor at the Museum Schloss Herrenhausen. Anyone with a passion for history, royal pageantry, and masterpieces of craftsmanship should not miss this extraordinary exhibition.

Four carriages, one kingdom. Hanover

The Welf family’s ceremonial carriages in Hanover are among the most impressive examples of 19th-century courtly transportation. Set against the magnificent backdrop of the reconstructed Herrenhausen Palace, they showcase a chapter in European history marked by splendor, power, and political upheaval.

Entitled “Four Carriages, One Kingdom: Hanover 1814–1866,” this special exhibition focuses on the ceremonial carriages that played a central role in the context of the personal union between Great Britain and Hanover. For when the Kingdom of Hanover was reestablished in 1814, it became a European kingdom—ruled by a monarch who was also King of Great Britain.

The focus is on four historical ceremonial carriages that were used for coronations, parades and state ceremonies. They reflect the desire for representation of the House of Guelph, which staged itself with elaborately designed carriages. Gilded carvings, silk-covered upholstery and elaborate coats of arms tell of an age of monarchical splendor.

Each of the carriages is one of a kind—crafted with artisanal perfection and adorned with symbols intended to underscore claims to power and legitimacy. Among the four exhibits is a state carriage from the reign of King Ernst August I (who ascended to the throne in 1837), which serves as a prime example of the courtly pomp of that era.

The exhibition features inclusive elements, child-friendly materials, and interactive media stations. A companion booklet for children and families includes scavenger hunts and puzzles. In addition, an inclusive tactile model of the Golden Carriage offers a hands-on experience. The exhibition also explores the roles of the Guelph rulers and their connection to colonial history in greater depth.

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