Schloss Wolfenbüttel is one of the largest surviving residential palaces in Lower Saxony, begun in the sixteenth century and expanded over the following two hundred years as successive dukes added wings and refinements. The result is a layered building in Renaissance and baroque styles, with a distinctive octagonal tower that anchors the skyline of the old town.
The castle today houses the Schlossmuseum, which covers the history of the duchy and its ducal residents, the architecture of the palace, and the development of the town. The permanent collection includes period furniture, portraits, and decorative arts. The courtyard is accessible without charge; museum entry is ticketed. Combined tickets with the nearby Herzog August Bibliothek are available and recommended.