The time without Cinderella at Moritzburg Castle is over. From Friday, fans of the popular film "Three Hazelnuts for Cinderella" can once again make a pilgrimage to one of the original locations for the annual exhibition. The German-Czech production from 1973 was also filmed in Moritzburg, just outside Dresden. The local hunting lodge from the Baroque period was turned into a fairytale castle.
Original costumes and props from the cult film
Original costumes, recreated film scenes and props are now on display here again until March 1, 2026. The film will be brought to life at the authentic location. A special highlight is set under the motto "Off to the ball!": for the first time, the castle's dining room with its impressive collection of antlers will be completely accessible to guests. Precious furnishings and fine china have been cleared away to make room for a dance floor.
Guests can dance in the exhibition
Visitors to the exhibition will be able to dance to the melody of the film. The theme tune will be played several times an hour. "Guests can dance the waltz in their own costumes, the popular visitor costumes or, of course, in civilian clothes," write the operators. In keeping with the theme, nine ball costumes from the Babelsberg film studios are on display this season. Cinderella's original pink ball gown and shoe - a kind of relic for fans - can also be seen.
The Queen's film eyelashes are a new exhibit
The tour through the winter exhibition at Moritzburg Castle is almost the same every year. Nevertheless, the aim is to offer guests something new every time. This year, a donation will be exhibited for the first time: the Queen's eyelashes. Actress Karin Lesch, who played the role of the Queen, died in March 2025. As a tribute to her, the film eyelashes will be displayed alongside other props from the make-up.
Visitors can slip into the costumes of the film heroes
Other highlights include the original saddle of Cinderella's horse, the media stations with filming diaries and background information on the film music and the "hazelnut wish station" at the end of the exhibition. Be Cinderella for once - this wish is also fulfilled in Moritzburg. Guests can slip into so-called shadow robes, which are open at the back, and play the roles of prince, king, stepmother, stepsister and cook.
Engraved hazelnuts as a souvenir
During the first two Advent weekends, hazelnuts are engraved with names in the castle kitchen as a souvenir. The museum store also has Cinderella memorabilia available. There are also outdoor tours with the motto "In the footsteps of Cinderella". The outdoor area around the castle was also used as a filming location at the time. The last exhibition reportedly attracted around 137,000 visitors. The 1.5 millionth visitor was welcomed in February.
The film by director Vaclav Vorlicek dominates the program on linear television at the end of the year. It will be shown almost 20 times on ARD channels until Epiphany on January 6. The music by Karel Svoboda has become a catchy tune.
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