Barockschloss Mannheim, Rittersaal, Ausschnitt aus einer Supraporte, Personifikation der Architektur, Johann Philipp van der Schlichten, um 1729

A new palace architectGuillaume d'Hauberat

The French architect and master of Baroque contributed to many noble buildings in Germany. In Mannheim, Guillaume d'Hauberat (1680–1749) altered the plans of his predecessor, shaping the interior according to French tastes and completing the palace church.

Porträt des französischen Hofbaumeisters Robert de Cotte

Robert de Cotte, the French royal architect, educated d'Hauberat.

WHY DID D'HAUBERAT COME TO GERMANY?

Guillaume d'Hauberat received his education at the Paris school of the important French royal architect, Robert de Cotte. In 1716, de Cotte brought him to Bonn. D'Hauberat was to support Cotte with the intended construction for the Prince-Elector of Cologne, Joseph Clemens von Bayern. In the process, the architect ended up in the role of an intermediary between de Cotte's office in Paris and the construction in Bonn. Ten years later, d'Hauberat followed the call of Prince-Elector Carl Philipp von der Pfalz to the court at Mannheim.

Mannheim Baroque Palace, inlaid image with the palace and fortifications by Jean Clemens Froimont, circa 1725

View of the palace and fortifications by Jean Clemens Froimon, circa 1725.

WHO WORKED ON THE PALACE BEFORE D'HAUBERAT?

The first plans for the mighty residential palace in Mannheim were delivered by the Frenchman, Louis Rémy de la Fosse. Until 1720, Johann Kaspar Herwarthel, an architect from Mainz, lead the construction, which was then taken over by Jean Clemens Froimon from France. But it was not until 1726 that the prince-electors were able to engage one of the ranking architects of Europe: Guillaume d'Hauberat. He brought with him the ability to design the interior of the palace according to the most modern French taste.

WHAT PART OF THE PALACE DID HE BUILD?

When d'Hauberat was called to Mannheim, the second phase of construction on the palace began. The new palace architect changed Froimont's plans: He had several parts of the building torn down again and had new ones constructed. In the interior, he arranged parts that had already been completed, such as the Knights' Hall and the magnificent main staircase with its mighty double stairs. Major construction on the palace ended with the dedication of the palace chapel on May 13, 1731, and the prince-elector was able to move into the central building.

Mannheim Baroque Palace, palace chapel, view of the organ

The interior decor of the palace chapel, staircase, and Knights' Hall bear the signature of the French architect.

WHAT OTHER CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS DID D'HAUBERAT WORK ON?

Before and after his work for the court of the prince-electors, d'Hauberat participated in several construction projects in Germany. The Frenchman participated in the planning and execution of Poppelsdorf Palace near Bonn, Kirchheimbolanden Palace, and the Thurn and Taxis Palace in Frankfurt am Main. In 1748, d'Hauberat was named building director in Mannheim. In this position, he completed the cupola of the Mannheim Jesuit Church. He also worked on Schwetzingen Palace, the prince-electors' summer residence.