Dresden is in the process of restoring Penguin Cafe for the BUGA event.
A beloved attraction is set to make a comeback in Dresden's Südpark. The Pinguin Café, a symbol of East Modernism, will be rebuilt and open to the public by spring 2023.
Originally designed as a boulevard café in Berlin in 1969, the Pinguin Café has a rich history. It has been a part of Dresden Zoo since July 14, 1973, and has been a popular destination for visitors due to its large glass facades and distinctive folding roof.
The café will offer a unique view of the city from its new location in Südpark. Two to three outdoor terraces are planned for the café, with one of them situated on the slope of Südpark, providing an even more captivating cityscape.
The new location of the Pinguin Café in Südpark is part of the Zoo Dresden's ongoing developments. The café has been in storage since 2017, but its steel skeleton, roof construction made of steel, some tiles, and other equipment elements have been preserved and are now being used in the rebuilding process.
An orchard was planted in a southerly direction towards Kohlenstraße in November 2022, near the future site of the Pinguin Café. An information stele with explanations about the history of the Pinguin Café is also planned to educate visitors about this iconic structure.
The Pinguin Café, once a magnet for visitors in the Dresden Zoo, could become a similar draw in Südpark. Initial ideas for its use include accommodating around 50 guests inside.
The construction of the new Penguin Café in Dresden is supported by the Zoo Dresden, but no specific information on external sponsors is mentioned, and there is no confirmed completion date publicly available so far. The latest documented new building unveiled was the Orang-Utan-Haus in June 2025 after nearly three years of construction, which implies that the Penguin Café may still be in planning or early construction phases without a fixed finish date.
Despite the wait, the anticipation for the return of the Pinguin Café is palpable. Its unique design and historical significance make it a promising addition to Südpark and a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists alike.
