Dresden Restores Penguin Cafe for BUGA Events
The Penguin CafĂ©, a beloved fixture of the Dresden Zoo since 1973, is set to embark on a new chapter in its life. The cafĂ©, known for its large glass facades and distinctive folding roof, will be moved from its current location to the SĂŒdpark for the upcoming Federal Garden Show in 2023.
Originally designed by architect Erich Lippmann in 1969 as a boulevard café in Berlin, the Penguin Café found its permanent home in the Dresden Zoo in 1973. Over the years, it became a popular attraction for visitors, drawing them in with its unique design.
In 2017, when a new building came to the Dresden Zoo, the Penguin Café was dismantled and stored in the Lapidarium of the Office for Culture and Monument Preservation, awaiting a later rebuilding. Now, that time has come.
The Penguin CafĂ© will be rebuilt, not a new cafĂ© constructed, in its new location in the SĂŒdpark. The cafĂ© is considered a witness to the Ostmodern era and is expected to become a magnet for visitors in the park. It is estimated that the cafĂ© could accommodate around 50 guests inside.
Two to three terraces are planned on the slope outside the Penguin Café, offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy their meals with a view. An orchard was planted behind the future location of the café in November 2022, further enhancing the scenic appeal of the area.
A new park path will be created between Coal Street and the Mittelplatz of the SĂŒdpark by spring 2023, serving for supplies and access to the Penguin CafĂ©. An information stele with explanations about the history of the Penguin CafĂ© is also planned, ensuring that visitors can learn about its rich past.
While the details of who initiated the planning for the reconstruction of the Penguin CafĂ© in connection with the Bundesgartenschau in Dresden remain unclear, one thing is certain - the Penguin CafĂ© is set to make a comeback, bringing its unique charm to the SĂŒdpark.
