From 28th April to 28th October 2012 a presentation event on the theme of “Friederisiko“ is scheduled to take place in the New Palace and will form, as the central exhibition to the Frederick Year, the climax of the Jubilee Year. Frederick the Great was regarded by his contemporaries even in those days as one of the most complex figures in politics.  Even today his actions continue to present us with a number of enigmas. This presentation event which will be held in the New Palace, a building which was planned by him right down to the last detail in the Park of Sanssouci, places the person of the king fairly and squarely in the centre.  By paying close attention to Frederick as a person, it aims to justify his actions.  Covering 6 000 square metres and extending over 70 state rooms, some of which will be open to the public for the first time following extensive restoration, as well as selected locations in the Castle gardens, the exhibition’s concept derives, as it were, from the Castle and the garden as a single entity – as a highly personalised legacy of the king himself.  The guiding theme here is the made-up word “Friederisiko“.  To contemplate Frederick the Great, his life, his mind-set and his actions under the aspect of  ”Risiko“ holds the promise of surprising and provocative revelations.  At the same time a new perspective on the great European issues of the eighteenth century is set to emerge – on state, religion, culture and philosophy.

In association with Kurt Tucholsky Museum of Literature and the Rheinsberg Association for Art and Culture, the Foundation for Prussian Castles and Gardens is planning to hold, from 4th August to 28th October 2012, a joint exhibition taking as its theme the time spent by Frederick as Crown Prince in Rheinsberg.

From 20th July to 28th October 2012 an exhibition entitled  ”König & Kartoffel. Friedrich der Grosse und die preussischen ”Tartuffoli““ (“The King & The Potato: Frederick the Great and the Prussian “Tartuffoli“) will be staged in the House of Brandenburg Prussian History and the Potsdam Museum.   The newly opened Potsdam Museum will play host to the exhibition “Friedrich und Potsdam – die Erfindung einer Stadt“ (“Frederick and Potsdam – the Invention of a City”).

The fact that the Prussian King Frederick II was not only a music lover but was also himself a passionate flute player is something that is generally well-known. Up to now far less attention has been paid to the depth of his interest in and the extent to which he addressed himself to promoting and designing the Theatre of Music in Berlin. The Berlin Chamber Orchestra and IMaGE Berlin Konzertveranstaltungs GmbH will be developing the theme of Frederick as a music lover.  The Potsdam Sanssouci Music Festival is scheduled to take place from 9th to 24th June 2012, adopting the slogan ”Rührt Euch – Friedrich der Grosse, die Musik und Europa” (“At ease! – Frederick the Great, Music and Europe“).

The Film Museum in Potsdam, the former stables of the Prussian kings, is one of the oldest buildings in the city of Potsdam.  In 2012 an exhibition entitled “Der falsche Fritz. Friedrich II. im Film“ will open.  This exhibition will focus on the representation of King Frederick in motion pictures and television productions. Different costumes and stage props from the individual film productions will also be on show. (25th January to 30th December 2012)

The “Friedrich300” theme year will also command a place in the UNESCO Day which is held every year in the state capital of Potsdam. This date for the celebrations in 2012 will be 3rd June. Various events, programmes, music and information stands on the theme of Frederick are planned.

Spotlight Musical Production, a company based in Fulda which has been operating since 2003 as an organiser and developer of new musicals, is working on the design of the musical “Frederick – Myth and Tragedy”.  In the world premiere the Prussian king Frederick II will be portrayed as an enlightened philosopher, a talented musician, a great statesman and the architect of the Prussian / German identity.  Despite this he is also an absolute despot, a mistrustful control freak and a military general with a voracious appetite for glory. The musical will be presented in the Metropolishalle in Potsdam from 1st June to August 2012.

In 2012, the year that marks the 300th birthday of Frederick the Great, the creators of the “Court Festivals” are planning a genuine historical  “carousel”.  With horses and riders in costume, dances, live theatre productions and concerts, the intention is to bring to life tales from the past. It takes place from 19th to 22nd July.

The Potsdam Tourismus Service will be offering day programmes based on a range of different topics.  Guided tours on foot or by coach will show visitors the various landmarks in Frederick’s life and the buildings associated with him.