35 years of UNESCO World Heritage: Potsdam celebrates with a panel of experts in the museum

35 years of UNESCO World Heritage: Potsdam celebrates with a panel of experts in the museum

A special evening is looming in the heart of Potsdam: On Thursday, September 9, 2025, an exciting discussion about the significance of the UNESCO World Heritage title for the region will take place in the Potsdam Museum. At 6 p.m., well-known experts will take the microphone to shed light on the rich history and value of the world heritage. As announced in a press release from the museum, the speakers will be Katja Schlisio, head of the Lower Monument Protection Authority, Saskia Hüneke, former curator of the sculpture collection of the Prussian Palaces and Gardens Foundation, and Sigrid Sommer, who was once in charge of marketing in Potsdam.

Admission costs eight euros and those interested can register for the event at museumsservice@rathaus.potsdam. The occasion is not just a discussion, but also a look back at the 35-year-old award that makes the 'Palaces and Parks of Potsdam and Berlin' a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A rich cultural landscape

The world heritage site, which was added to the UNESCO list on December 12, 1990, extends over an impressive 2,064 hectares and offers a unique combination of scenic features and masterfully designed parks. This historic cultural landscape attracts numerous visitors every year who are inspired by the beauty and cultural diversity. The design work of the 19th century garden architect Peter Joseph Lenné had a decisive influence on the island of Potsdam and continues to inspire admiration today.

This unique cultural landscape is not just a simple sight, but also a place full of stories intertwined with significant historical events. Monarchist state ideas and civil aspirations for emancipation have left their mark on the design of the landscape. To the west, the magnificent gardens and palaces stretch from Sanssouci to the New Palace, an ensemble that is not only considered an architectural masterpiece but has also had a global influence on art history.

A careful handling of heritage

But the noticeable wounds of recent history are also making themselves felt. The period between 1939 and 1989 left its mark on Potsdam, which was characterized by neglect and the conversion of buildings. Military installations ensured that many historical treasures were pushed into the background. Nevertheless, a change in thinking is evident today. The strategies of the federal states of Brandenburg and Berlin aim to regain this lost splendor through comprehensive restoration measures. The historical structure and landscaping should be preserved and modern construction projects should be planned carefully.

World heritage status not only brings with it honorable distinctions, but also requires responsible handling of the treasures of the past. Future developments will be carried out in close coordination with the Prussian Palaces and Gardens Foundation to ensure that the uniqueness for which Potsdam is famous is preserved in the future.

For anyone interested in history, art and architecture, the event at the Potsdam Museum is an excellent opportunity to learn more about this valuable cultural landscape. If you haven't registered yet, you should get going quickly - the Potsdam World Heritage Site is waiting to be discovered!

Find out more about the Importance of UNESCO World Heritage, the Palaces and parks of Potsdam and Berlin and the History and protection measures the unique cultural landscape!