Neukölln
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Comenius Garden |
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Index
Comenius
Garden
Körnerpark
Gallery
Marienfelde
Green
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Johann Amos Comenius (1592-1670) is behind both the name and the ideas of the little garden in the Böhmisches Dorf (Bohemian Village) in Neukölln. The garden creations are based on quotes from the Bohemian educationalist’s work which can be viewed as poetic symbols, drawn from nature, of the trials that man faces at different stages of his life cycle.
In the western part of the garden these ideas are represented by a patch of violets, a lawn, a maze and a fountain of life for children of primary school age. Here, enchanting water features intersperse with dense, mysterious groups of plants. A more figurative part is connected to the summer house, which itself has been endowed with the qualities of a soulful paradise. The scholar’s teaching tools make an appearance next to his statue: a stage represents his idea of “school as play”, and a gallery stands for a “world in pictures.” Rows of fruit trees leading in the direction of Richardstraße characterize and describe the last cycle of education, that of college. At both sides of the garden the sequence of the life cycle is continued in the arrangement of the Bohemian village. Here, the walnut tree of life at Karl-Marx-Platz, marks the beginning; and the Böhmische Gottesacker (graveyard) in the Kirchhofstraße is the end.
Since 1995, when the garden opened, the treetops have formed green archways, and fruit and berries are abundant. The walled garden has matured into the philosophical idea it is based upon, the “tree-halls of life” have come into being, and the scholars have become gardeners and teachers. Other immigrants from Palestine, Bosnia or Kosovo have joined the Bohemian refugees, who arrived here some 270 years ago. A place for encounters now thrives, where East meets West, old meets young and those seeking meet those reaping. Entrance to the garden is via a slightly hidden doorbell at the Garden Gate in the Richardstraße. The garden is closed at night and when no gardeners are around. Those interested in finding out more about the design and the spirit of this spot can ring the garden for further information. |
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Address: Richardstr. 35, 12043 Berlin, +49 (0)30 6866106, www.comenius-garten.de
Bus, Tube, Tram: U7 Karl-Marx-Straße
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