The Palaces & Gardens group invited the WiB members to Potsdam on 20 April 2023 to see the New Palace and the royal apartment of Frederick the Great in Sanssouci. The group leader, Susanne von der Osten-Sacken, kindly guided the group through the ballrooms and the princely quarters for almost two hours and shared her deep knowledge about the palace. The highlight of the tour was the King's apartment that will no longer be opened for public from the end of the year until 2028.

The majestic Grotto Hall coated with over 20,000 shells, semi-precious stones, minerals, fossils and the incredible luster that shines even after more than 250 years amazed the WiB members. They did not want to miss the opportunity to photograph the amazing decorations, porcelains and fabrics. After the war against Austria and the conquest of Silesia, Frederick the Great became wealthy and powerful. Viewing the impressive and rich interiors, our imagination wandered into the moments when Frederick the Great entertained his most privileged guests. The New Palace represents Prussia's ambition to be perceived as the central European power, which is actually in contrast with the old king’s enlightenment principles.