Federal Government to Cease Use of Schloss Meseberg as Official Guesthouse

The German federal government has decided to discontinue its use of Schloss Meseberg, located north of Berlin in Brandenburg, as its official guesthouse. This estate, which has served as the backdrop for state receptions and cabinet retreats for nearly two decades, will no longer be part of official government activities starting from 2027.

Schloss Meseberg, an 18th-century baroque castle situated approximately 70 kilometers from the capital, was leased by the government from the Messerschmitt Foundation. According to government sources, both parties have agreed not to extend the contract beyond its expiration in February 2027. The decision comes amid a notable reduction in the frequency of events held at the castle. Officials also cited the considerable distance from Berlin's government district as a factor that contributed to the change, as logistical challenges became increasingly apparent.

The government spokesperson explained that the expenses associated with maintaining and operating the property had grown disproportionate to its actual benefit for official functions. Instead, plans are underway to hold high-level government events at alternative venues across Germany or within a new dedicated event space in the planned extension of the Federal Chancellery, scheduled for completion by the end of 2028.

Schloss Meseberg has played a significant role in Germany's political landscape since 2007, serving as the primary location for international diplomatic meetings and internal cabinet gatherings. The property was originally acquired and restored by the Messerschmitt Foundation in the mid-1990s, following a period of substantial neglect. After extensive renovations costing approximately 25 million euros, the estate was repurposed to host visiting heads of state and facilitate critical government discussions. The castle consists of three main floors and is surrounded by a historical baroque park, offering a unique setting for formal events.

Throughout its tenure as a government venue, Schloss Meseberg was frequently used by the administration under Chancellor Olaf Scholz for cabinet retreats. However, with shifting priorities and the appointment of Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the government began to favor locations closer to Berlin, such as the Villa Borsig on the shores of Tegeler See, which serves as the guesthouse for the Federal Foreign Office.

Officials highlighted that future one-time rentals of external event spaces are expected to be considerably more cost-effective than the annual expenditures associated with Schloss Meseberg. The government expressed its gratitude to the Messerschmitt Foundation for its cooperation and the use of the historic property over the years. Despite the end of its role as the federal guesthouse, Schloss Meseberg is anticipated to remain an attractive venue for a variety of formal occasions and private events in the future.

This move reflects a broader strategy to optimize government resources and improve logistical efficiency for state functions, ensuring that official events can be organized more flexibly and at lower cost. The transition marks the conclusion of a significant chapter in modern German political history, with Schloss Meseberg likely to continue serving as a prestigious location for non-governmental events in the coming years.