Culture meets Garden – Gardens of the World

A World Tour in One Weekend

The Gardens of the World in Marzahn — opened in 1987 as the Berlin Garden Exhibition, now over 43 hectares in size — are arguably the most international park in the capital. Themed gardens from around the world gather here: Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Balinese, Oriental-Islamic, Italian (Renaissance), English, Christian. Once a year — usually in early or mid-July — the entire park transforms into a walkable world stage: the Culture meets Garden festival.

What to Expect

Embassies, cultural centers, and associations of the countries represented in the gardens curate the program together with Grün Berlin. At each location, there will be music, dance, stories, crafts, and culinary offerings:

• Balinese Garden: traditional crafts, gamelan-like sounds
• Confucius Meadow: XXL wooden games, Chinese calligraphy workshops
• Japanese Garden: origami, painted fans, artistic lanterns
• Oriental-Islamic Garden: Arabic classical music, belly dancing, tales from 1001 Nights
• Korean Garden: K-dance, street food, hands-on workshops
• Italian Renaissance Garden: Mediterranean atmosphere, music, culinary stalls
• Christian Garden and English Garden: stages with acts from other world regions

Grand Highlight: Flying Steps Academy

On Saturday afternoon around 4:00 PM, the Flying Steps Academy Summer Show takes place on the main arena stage — a choreographically ambitious performance by the renowned Berlin breakdance school, combining dance, acrobatics, and narrative staging. It has been the festival's most popular moment for years.

Format and Admission

Culture meets Garden is included in the regular admission to the Gardens of the World. The stations are spread throughout the park; a tour takes between three and five hours depending on your pace. Food and drinks are offered at mobile stands. The park provides ample shaded areas for breaks.

Marzahn as a Location

The gardens are located in Marzahn-Hellersdorf, well-connected by tram lines 6 and 16 (stop Gärten der Welt) or U5 Cottbusser Platz (10 min. walk). By car: paid parking directly at the park.