Can you imagine a garden designed specifically for a world exposition? Here at the Staudengarten, that’s precisely what happened. The Staudengarten sits serenely on the Neustadt Elbe riverbank. It’s nestled between the Saxon State Chancellery and the Albert Bridge. This isn’t just any garden. It carries a unique piece of Dresden’s history. The Staudengarten is part of the Königsufer (King’s Bank), a stretch of parkland along the Elbe. Both the Staudengarten and the neighboring Rosengarten are protected historical landmarks.
In the late 19th century, the Saxon military moved out of the Neustadt area. This opened up prime real estate for development. The construction of the Albert and Carola bridges, along with new roads and squares, transformed the area. Several ministerial buildings, now part of Dresden’s government district, sprung up around the turn of the century. By 1910, city officials, led by Hans Erlwein, envisioned a grand park along the Elbe’s edge, mirroring the Altstadt’s developed riverfront. This vision aimed to prevent further construction along the Neustadt bank, preserving the area’s natural beauty.
The Staudengarten itself arose in 1934-1935. Heinrich Balke, the city’s garden director, designed it as a special garden for the 1936 Reichsgarten Exhibition. Imagine vibrant carpets of perennials, specifically chosen to impress visitors from across the Reich. The garden’s design incorporates low-lying perennial carpets. These carpets are framed by neatly trimmed hedges, creating a sense of order and elegance. The Staudengarten even boasts a replica of the Archer statue found in Potsdam. The original was created by Ernst Moritz Geyger in 1902. Later additions include a sundial from 1940, marking Dresden’s geographical center. Also there is the bronze sculpture “Standing Boy”, crafted by Christine Heitmann in 1984.
The Staudengarten we see today is remarkably close to its original design. Following a thorough assessment in 2005, plans for a faithful restoration were drawn up. The restoration took place in 2009, carefully considering changes over time, like the growth of existing trees. The efforts earned the project first place in the 2010 Saxon Garden and Landscaping competition. So, as you stroll through the Staudengarten, remember you are walking through a piece of history. A garden specifically created to showcase Dresden’s beauty during a time of great change and ambition.