"Prince Pückler - playboy, pasha and visionary". A debate in the Royal Theatre.

A film about Prince Hermann von Pückler-Muskau, creator of the famous Park Muskau included on the World Heritage List, was shown in the Royal Łazienki, followed by a debate devoted to the works of the German visionary. According to Rolf Nikel, ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany which organised the meeting in the Royal Theatre in the Old Orangery, the Park Muskau became our common heritage and a natural bridge between Poland and Germany.

The film entitled “Prince Pückler - playboy, pasha and visionary”, which was watched in the Royal Theatre by the invited guests, including a descendent of Hermann von Pückler-Muskau, told the story of the most eccentric Prussian duke in the 19th century, who spent all his life designing the parks of Muskau and Branitz.

The first of them covers an area of over 700 hectares and lies on both sides of the Lusatian Neisse river which constitutes the Polish-German border (in the Lubuskie province). One third of it is situated in the territory of Germany while two-thirds are in Poland; it is the largest English-style landscape park in Central Europe, and also one of the most famous monuments of Lusatia.

- Prince Pückler was one of the most outstanding visionaries. He created landscapes by moving trees, mountains, and rivers. The most famous park - Muskau - became our common heritage, particularly close to our hearts as well as a natural bridge between Poland and Germany, said Rolf Nikel, ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany. - I am glad that I can speak about prince Pückler and the Polish-German garden art.

Tadeusz Zielniewicz, Director of the Royal Łazienki, stressed that the park created by the German prince brought back his personal memories. - In 1988, when we unveiled a commemorative stone in honour of Prince Pückler in the Park Muskau, we didn’t think that Poland would embark on the road to freedom so quickly and that the Park would become a symbol connecting our two countries, Director Zielniewicz said. He added that the film about prince Pückler is a film about fulfilling dreams.

For the last time did the German prince reach excellence in the design of nineteenth-century English landscape parks. Inspired by romantic ideas, he created picturesque worlds on a grand scale for decades, transforming his land estates into splendid landscape gardens.

Today, 150 years after his death, you can admire his vision at its loveliest, take a stroll through the Park Muskau and Park Branitz.

Ambassador Nikel pointed out that it was with curiosity that he followed what was happening in the Royal Łazienki. He stressed that it is one of the finest parks in Europe. In addition, he said that he was glad that the 21st Century Garden would be created here, a garden that will be an inspiration, as he put it.

Barbara Werner, Chief Gardener of the Royal Łazienki explained that the 21st Garden, which is being created in the Museum, reflects the ambitions of King Stanislaw August and conveys Prince Pückler’s message to "add something from oneself". - What Pückler did (landscape parks) is an example of brilliant garden work of art. It is a great thing and we should make use of this heritage - Barbara Werner emphasised.

Cord Panning, President of the "Fürst-Pückler Foundation", Director of Bad-Muskau-Park, said that the challenge we faced was to shape landscape for people. At the same time, he thanked Poland for its commitment to the Park Muskau and heritage of Prince Pückler. - In Germany it has been noticed - Cord Panning indicated. - We are tied by gardens and it is very important - Barbara Werner added.

Count Hermann Graf von Pückler, who also took part in the debate in the Royal Theatre, congratulated the Royal Łazienki on their development. He stressed that since his last visit to Warsaw 30 years ago, the capital has changed enormously. - Today, socialism is not visible any more. Warsaw is not different from other European cities. I am very much impressed by the buildings, the transportation system and the airport - Count Pückler said.

The Prince Pückler’s Park in Bad Muskau (Germany) and the Royal Łazienki Museum cooperate within the international "Gardens of Light" project with the main objective to promote unique historical gardens and museums from all over the world.