"The Rieterpark is one of Switzerland's most beautiful landscape gardens. It frames the exhibition and is, at the same time, also an integral part of it."
What a stroke of luck that a museum holding an exhibition on gardens is itself situated in a garden! The Rieterpark is a landscape garden that was laid out in the mid-19th century – following the trend that originated in England at that time. Gardens were to resemble idealised, natural landscapes with subtly landscaped grounds, contoured paths and whimsically placed clusters of trees.
Up to the present day, the essence of this design philosophy has been retained in the Rieterpark. For the «Gardens of the World» exhibition, some elements that had long since vanished are being brought back to life. Thus the edge of the pond was replanted in accordance with photographs taken at the start of the 20th century. A short walk away, a historical «flower cake» – a hill-shaped ornamental flowerbed – was planted in the meadow.
Grün Stadt Zürich [Office of Parks and Open Spaces] is responsible for transforming these elements of the park, under the direction of the Garden Monument Conservator. The municipal department is responsible for the daily maintenance of the Rieterpark and is the most important collaborative partner for the exhibition.
Free, no registration required
A tour on the trail of spring. Including backgrounds on the flowerbeds replanted especially for this exhibition, with close reference to historical photos. With specialists from Grün Stadt Zürich: Roger Fischer, Green Spaces Manager, Martin Keller, Rieterpark Gardener, and Judith Rohrer, Garden Monument Conservator.
Meeting point: in front of the Museum.
An excursion to watch the birds in the Rieterpark and surrounding areas. With specialists from Grün Stadt Zürich: Roger Fischer, Green Spaces Manager, Martin Keller, Rieterpark Gardener, Judith Rohrer, Garden Monument Conservator, and Max Ruckstuhl, Director of the Environmental Protection Department.
Meeting point: Museum Rietberg tram stop. Bring binoculars!
Themed tour on «Vegetation in Midsummer». With specialists from Grün Stadt Zürich: Roger Fischer, Green Spaces Manager, Martin Keller, Rieterpark Gardener und Judith Rohrer, Garden Monument Conservator.
Meeting point: in front of the Museum.
Which signs of autumn are visible in the park? With experts from Grün Stadt Zürich: Roger Fischer, Green Spaces Manager, Martin Keller, Rieterpark Gardener, and Judith Rohrer, Garden Monument Conservator
Meeting point: in front of the Museum.
How do we prepare the park for winter? Tour lead by experts from Grün Stadt Zürich: Roger Fischer, Green Spaces Manager, Martin Keller, Rieterpark Gardener, Judith Rohrer, Garden Monument Conservator, and Max Ruckstuhl.
Meeting point: in front of the Museum.