Gardens of the World

Gardens of the World, located in the Marzahn district of Berlin, is one of the city’s most fascinating parks, offering an extraordinary variety of themed gardens from around the world. Inaugurated on May 9, 1987, to celebrate the 750th anniversary of Berlin, the park was initially called Berliner Gartenschau. Over the years, with the addition of new gardens, it was renamed Erholungspark Marzahn in 1991, before taking on its current name, Gardens of the World, in 2017. The park covers an area of 40 hectares and hosts a series of gardens representing different cultures and gardening traditions. The first themed garden to be opened was the Chinese Garden, known as the “Garden of the Reunited Moon,” inaugurated in 2000. This garden is the largest of its kind in Germany and symbolizes harmony and unity, central values in Chinese philosophy. The central pavilion and elaborate decorations in colored wood, along with a system of ponds and watercourses, create an atmosphere of peace and contemplation.Subsequently, other gardens were added, each with its own unique characteristics. The Japanese Garden, opened in 2003, represents the idea of the “confluence of waters,” a symbol of the fusion of cultures. This garden, designed in collaboration with Japanese landscape architects, includes a pond, wooden bridges, and a tea house where tea ceremonies are regularly held.The Balinese Garden, opened in 2003, is known as the “Garden of the Three Harmonies.” This garden is a true corner of Bali in the heart of Berlin, with a reproduction of a Hindu temple, a central pavilion, and lush tropical vegetation. Balinese artisans worked directly on the construction of this space, bringing with them traditional materials and techniques.Another notable garden is the Oriental-Islamic Garden, inaugurated in 2005. This garden is inspired by classic Islamic gardens, known as riyadh, characterized by a central courtyard with a fountain and four water channels symbolizing the rivers of Paradise. The walls of the garden are decorated with intricate mosaics of ceramic tiles, made by Moroccan artisans.In 2006, the Korean Garden was added, a gift from the city of Seoul to Berlin. This garden is an authentic example of Korean landscape architecture, with pavilions, courtyards, and figurative sculptures. The layout of the gardens reflects the different areas of a traditional Korean garden, including contemplation areas and open spaces for community events.The Renaissance Italian Garden, opened in 2008, reproduces an Italian garden with loggias, geometric flower beds, and classical sculptures. This garden is inspired by the famous gardens of Tuscan villas, offering a glimpse into the formal beauty and art of Renaissance gardening.One of the latest additions is the English Garden, inaugurated in 2018, which celebrates the tradition of English landscape gardens with expansive lawns, perennial flower borders, and winding paths. This garden offers a contrast to the more formal and structured styles of the other themed gardens.In addition to the themed gardens, Gardens of the World also hosts a series of cultural events throughout the year. These include the Cherry Blossom Festival in spring, the Chinese Moon Festival in late summer, and Viva la Musica, an event that combines outdoor concerts and fireworks. The park also features a modern cable car, built for the International Garden Exhibition of 2017, which offers a panoramic view of the gardens from above.