The palace of the counts of Hessen-Darmstadt and the Grand Dukes of Hessen and Rhine was originally a moated castle. The building consists of wings in renaissance style and the new baroque castle, designed by Louis Remy de la Fosse. The Palace Museum is located in the bell building and the German Poland-Institute is also based in the residential palace.

The palace moat is a public green space that invites visitors to linger and take a walk around the palace.

As part of its autonomy in property and building matters, the Technical University of Darmstadt officially became the "owner of the palace" in 2005 and completely renovated the residential palace from 2008 to 2023. In addition to the organ hall for events, a third location for the University and State Library, the Department of Social and Historical Sciences, the Presidential Board and parts of the central university administration are based here.

Tip:

On the bastion there is a summer restaurant open to the public in the castle garden.