The Schlossmuseum Darmstadt is proof that looking back into the past can be vivid, exciting and entertaining - and has been for 100 years.

It is a house with a history. It was founded by the last Grand Duke Ernst Ludwig of Hesse and by Rhine, who had the museum set up in the former state rooms and living quarters of the residential palace. The works of art came primarily from the old palace inventory, which had been left to him as private property after his deposition. Almost completely destroyed in the night of the Darmstadt fire in 1944, with the exception of the precautionary stocks that had been removed, the museum was reopened in reconstructed rooms in 1965.

Today, the Princely Collection is housed in the church and bell building of the Residenzschloss. In the showrooms, which are organised by epoch, the museum presents applied art from the 16th to the early 20th century alongside paintings and sculptures. There are numerous regional and family-historical references that keep the memory of the old, undestroyed city and the splendid princely residence alive.

The offer is also lively and colourful, especially for children and families. And so the Palace Museum is kicking off the anniversary year with a family weekend on 11 and 12 May. The programme includes guided tours with interactive activities for the little ones and interesting stories for the grown-ups. Whether it's a carriage, princess dresses or a flea trap - it's a little journey through time that makes a visit to the museum an unforgettable experience.

On both days, admission is free for children up to the age of 18. In addition to the guided tours, which are limited to 20 participants every 90 minutes, various creative workshops will be offered.

You can find the rest of the anniversary programme at www.schlossmuseum-darmstadt.de.