The counts’ and princes’ of Solms-Braunfels extraordinary private collection is on exhibition at the at the separate Family Museum and can be viewed here at your own leisure, also outside the usual » opening times.
Lances and halberds, duel pistols, bayonets, ceremonial weapons and the hunting equipment of Prince Ferdinand (1797-1873) can be seen here, as well as horns and “kettledrums” of the princely orchestra from 1800. Also displayed are the caps and ammunition pouches of the palace guard, which was still on duty at the beginning of the last century.
In our “Family Museum” visitors can find the emperial letter from 1742, in which the Emperor Karl VII granted Count Friedrich of Solms-Braunfels the rank of prince. The uniform of Count Heinrich Trajektin (1638-1693), worn in his last battle and the certificate, appointing him to supreme commander of the British troops in Ireland in 1690, can also be seen here.
Coins from the different lines of the Solms family and coins from the German empire are reminiscent of the far reaching family ties of the house and the regional and local trade. A collection of Bohemian art glass from the 19th century and presents from other princely houses, for example from the Sultan of Johore (today Malaysia) for the birth of the heir to the throne, Prince Georg Friedrich of Solms-Braunfels in 1890, showcase international family ties and friendships.
Gowns of the princess from the baroque and rococo periods, as well as intricate jewellery from the 19th century allow an insight into the fashion faibles of the female members of the princely family. Also found in the Family Museum are: baroque stove plates from the ironworks of Solms, prehistorical findings, which had already been excavated under the government of Prince Wilhelm around 1815 and a collection of medals awarded to members of the house in the 19th and 20th century.
Entrance to the museum is through a swing gate with coin slot. The admission fee is 4 EUR per person, or just 1 EUR if you already have purchased a guided tour ticket (an entrance token is available at the castle ticket cash desk).