Lustgarten

Lustgarten, meaning “pleasure garden” in German, is a toponym used for several public parks in German-speaking regions. The most prominent example is the Lustgarten on Museum Island in the Mitte district of Berlin. This historic public park sits on the Spree’s edge between the city center and the island’s museum complex, adjacent to the Berliner Dom and the Altes Museum, and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site that encompasses Museum Island.

Originating in the 16th century as a Renaissance-style pleasure garden for the Brandenburg electors, the Lustgarten evolved into a public green space over the centuries. It underwent numerous redesigns to suit changing urban tastes and the needs of the surrounding institutions. The park sustained damage during World War II and was subsequently restored in the postwar period, with further refurbishments in later decades.

Today the Lustgarten serves as a central urban park and a visual focal point for visitors and residents alike. It features lawns, tree-lined avenues, and views of the cathedral and nearby museums, providing a quiet counterpoint to the busy streets surrounding Museum Island. The space is used for public gatherings, outdoor exhibitions, and cultural events, while remaining an accessible green space within walking distance of several major museums on the island.