The destructions caused by the long period of vacancy of Bruchsal Palace was alleviated in the course of a first restoration phase from 1900 to 1909 by the "Badische Finanzverwaltung" (Baden Office of Fiscal Administration). Under the direction of Fritz Hirsch the importance of the painting on the facades was recognized and reconstructed. This not only founded the preservation of Bruchsal Palace as a cultural monument, it also paid tribute to the art of the painter Marchini.
Several outbuildings of the palace were used for state administrative purposes following the devastation of 1945. After the "Hauptbau" had been provided with a roof in the 1950's, the state decided in 1964 to reconstruct the "Corps de Logis" as a museum in accordance with the original.
At first experts devoted their undivided attention to the inner suites of rooms with their extremely ornate decorations, which were restored at great expense using old handicrafts techniques. The production of stucco, stucco marble, gilding and frescos with traditional hand tools was part of the work. With the discover of the original red-and-white facade paintings of most of the buildings located along the axis of the "Damianstor" (Damian Gate), a major act of reconstruction was achieved which was also important for the outer appearance.
In 1975 the "Staatliche Hochbauverwaltung" (State Building Surveyor's Office) formally released the main palace building for use. Final work was completed in 1993. After 45 years, the reconstruction, which cost a total of DM 50 million, was completed. Today a permanent exhibit in the palace documents the restoration together with the old handicrafts techniques in workshop scenes and work procedures.
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