The gardening and architectural design of 67-hectare Peacock Island began at the end of the 18th century under King Frederick William II and his mistress Wilhelmine Encke. They had the small summer palace and a dairy constructed in a picturesque building style resembling a monastery gone to ruin, based on English and French models, with references to an ancient Roman style as well.

Modeled on islands in the South Pacific discovered approximately 20 years before, exotic trees and plants gradually took root on this island – as did the colorful peacocks and menagerie completing the exoticism of Peacock Island. However, most of its animals were given to the zoological garden in Berlin in 1842, which led to the foundation of the current zoo.

Queen Luise and King Frederick Willhelm III had the island transformed into an aesthetically stylized ornamental mock farm, with farming practices intended to yield profits. Shortly afterwards, the garden artist Peter Joseph Lenné laid out one of his picturesque landscape parks here and the rose garden in 1821.

Today, Peacock Island – its palace (currently closed due to restoration work), dairy and the other park buildings, its charming footpaths with beautiful views, nearly 400 old oaks and the oldest rose garden in Berlin – is a popular destination for leisurely strolls in peaceful surroundings. The island is part of the UNESCO World Heritage and is a protected flora and fauna habitat.

Peacock Island is a world-renowned example of garden design. Please help us to maintain the park as a place of culture and recreation.