Spring awakening in the Garden Kingdom: 150 million euro future plan!

Spring awakening in the Garden Kingdom: 150 million euro future plan!

On May 21, 2025, the Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz will raise its voice to honor both birthday celebrations and the significance of its historical and cultural landscape. Roman Luckscheiter, Secretary General of the German UNESCO Commission, emphasizes how important the connection between landscape and architecture is for heritage. He emphasizes that the aspects of art and enlightenment represent an inseparable part of this specific heritage, which must be carefully preserved and communicated.

In a year dedicated to the anniversary, Anette Froesch from the Dessau-Wörlitz Cultural Foundation announces that the gardens will be redeveloped. Harald Meller, acting director of the Cultural Foundation, recalls the developments of the last 25 years and explains that the Garden Realm is the most important landscape park in Europe.

Challenges and investments

However, the Garden Kingdom faces challenges caused by climate change, flooding and the energy crisis. These difficulties must be overcome in order to secure the value of the world heritage in the long term. The construction of a new world heritage center is planned by 2035, which will be realized with an investment of 150 million euros from the federal government.

In addition to the structural measures, a varied program is offered for the year, including exhibitions, cabaret and a very special attraction - a simulated volcanic eruption. In addition, a new Garden Realm app will be introduced that guides visitors through 120 cultural and historical stations in Wörlitzer Park. In addition to providing information and videos, this app will also be available in English and plain language, increasing accessibility for all visitors.

Visitor numbers and cultural significance

Mayor Maik Strömer emphasizes the importance of the accessibility of the garden kingdom for the region. According to Prime Minister Haseloff, the gardens have attracted countless millions of visitors. However, he notes that while many people visit the free gardens, few go to the castles, which poses a challenge for the cultural offering.

The Dessau-Wörlitz Garden Realm was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 and is the 24th World Heritage Site in Germany and the fourth in Saxony-Anhalt. It extends over 142 km² and includes castles, gardens and parks that were created in the 18th century by Prince Franz of Anhalt-Dessau - inspired by English landscape parks. The important green spaces include the Luisium, Sieglitzer Berg, Georgium and Großkühnau parks.

The fusion of different art genres, ranging from antiquity to classicism, is another characteristic feature of this cultural project. Wörlitz Castle, built between 1769 and 1773, is considered the first classicist building in German architectural history. The region is home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites within a 35-kilometer radius.

As an outstanding example of landscape design and a source of education and moral upbringing, the Garden Realm has the potential to continue to inspire and educate its visitors in the future.

For more information about the Garden Kingdom's ongoing activities and cultural heritage, visit MDR and UNESCO World Heritage Garden Realm.