Orangerie Gera

Count Heinrich XVIII. Reuß commissioned the construction of the Orangerie between 1729 and 1732. Gottfried Heinrich Krohne, the princely Saxon state architect, designed the late Baroque two-wing complex. A central pavilion with a ballroom was added later, from 1748 to 1749. After the death of the last count from the House of Reuß-Gera in 1802, the Orangerie lost its original function. In the 19th century, it served various purposes, including as a military hospital, stable, gymnasium, and coffee house. From 1878 to 1919, it was home to the Gera Art Association. Museum use began in 1947 with a special exhibition.