German-American Friendship Garden Restoration in Focus
German-American Friendship Garden Restoration in Focus
Trust for the National Mall President and CEO Catherine Townsend, National Park Service Superintendent of the National Mall Kevin Griess, German Ambassador to the U.S. Jens Hanefeld
The Trust was thrilled to host German Ambassador to the U.S. Jens Hanefeld and Anna Schneider, SVP, Industry-Government Relations at Volkswagen Group of America for a tour of the restored gardens on the National Mall. Catherine Townsend, President & CEO of the Trust for the National Mall and Superintendent of the National Mall for the National Park Service Kevin Griess led the tour of German-American Friendship Garden on a sunny December morning.
The Trust shared gratitude for the leadership and commitment of the Embassy and Volkswagen, who both led the restoration completed in 2022. The gardens and the iconic fountains and planting beds were updated and improved through a partnership between the Trust for the National Mall, the National Park Service and the German Embassy, supported by Volkswagen Group of America and additional corporate partners.
The visit was an opportunity to update Ambassador Hanefeld about the completed restoration, ongoing care and maintenance provided by the Trust, as well as potential projects for the future to ensure this prominently located garden thrives and inspires for the future.
Situated along the powerful axis between the White House Ellipse and the Washington Monument, the German-American Friendship Garden was first dedicated on November 15, 1988, by President Ronald Reagan and German Chancellor Helmut Kohl to commemorate 300 years of immigration and friendship between the two nations. The garden was composed of multiple planting beds, native plant species from each of the two countries and the original pair of fountains that flanked the garden — all welcoming visitors to learn more about the long-standing friendship and diplomacy between the U.S. and Germany.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE RESTORATION OF THE GARDEN BELOW.
In 2019, the Trust led a revitalization of the garden through the generous support of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany and Volkswagen Group of America. Phase One included an updated garden design and installation of new plantings along with repairs to garden borders and stone pavers.
In 2020, the Trust began Phase Two efforts through the generosity and leadership of Her Excellency Emily Haber, Ambassador of Germany to the U.S., and Volkswagen Group of America. Through this very successful campaign and the incredible support of the funders listed below, Phase Two included the installation of two newly rebuilt fountains that flank the garden on each end and enhance the garden's sense of energy, motion and sound.