German American Friendship Garden

German-American Friendship Garden

National Park Service photo by Nathan Adams

Quick Facts

Location:

Washington, DC

Amenities

2 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Public Transit

The German-American Friendship Garden is a quiet but meaningful landscape on the National Mall that commemorates the long history of friendship, shared values, and cultural exchange between Germany and the United States. Located along Constitution Avenue NW, between the White House and the Washington Monument, the garden occupies a prominent yet contemplative position, offering visitors a place for reflection within one of the nation’s most symbolic civic spaces.

The garden was created to honor more than 300 years of German immigration to North America and to recognize the contributions of German Americans to the political, cultural, scientific, and economic life of the United States. It also stands as a diplomatic symbol, marking the enduring partnership between the two nations in the modern era. The garden was formally dedicated on November 15, 1988, by President Ronald Reagan and German Chancellor Helmut Kohl, at a moment when transatlantic cooperation was playing a critical role in shaping the final years of the Cold War.

Designed by German-born landscape architect Wolfgang Oehme, the garden reflects principles of the “New American Garden” style for which Oehme was well known. The design balances formal geometry with lush, naturalistic plantings, creating a space that feels both structured and inviting. A strong central axis aligns the garden visually with major national landmarks, reinforcing its connection to the broader Mall landscape while maintaining a human scale.

Plantings within the garden feature a mix of species native to both Germany and the United States, symbolizing shared natural heritage and mutual respect. Seasonal changes in color and texture give the garden a dynamic character throughout the year. Granite cobblestones, curved paths, and paired circular fountains anchor the design, providing visual rhythm and gentle sound that encourages pause and contemplation. Benches are positioned to frame views toward the White House and the Washington Monument, linking the garden’s intimate setting to the nation’s centers of democratic power.

Over time, weather and heavy visitation took a toll on the garden, leading to a comprehensive restoration effort supported by the German Embassy, the National Park Service, and the Trust for the National Mall. The project revitalized plantings, repaired stonework, modernized irrigation, and reconstructed the fountains and the restored garden was rededicated in 2022, ensuring its continued role as a living symbol of international friendship.

Today, the German-American Friendship Garden serves not only as a memorial to shared history, but also as an active expression of ongoing partnership. Through its thoughtful design and enduring symbolism, it quietly reinforces the idea that diplomacy, like a garden, requires care, cooperation, and long-term commitment to flourish.