Prince Hermann von Pückler-Muskau

Like many other prominent Cottbus personalities from the fields of politics, business, science and culture, the life of the famous landscape gardener, globetrotter and travel writer Prince Hermann von Pückler-Muskau (1785 - 1871) was closely linked with the metropolis of Berlin. Prince Pückler created the masterpiece of the Branitzer Park (4) on the outskirts of Cottbus, which was quite small at the time and in the process of expanding. The park constitutes the crowning achievement in German landscape gardening and is a renowned national monument. Just as in Pückler's time, today, the Branitz estate is a popular destination for both the people of Cottbus and its visitors. The visitor centre with its exhibition on the world and art of Prince Pückler opened in 2006 and has contributed further to its popularity.

Prince Pückler frequented at least ten different Berlin salons, many of which were hosted by his female friends. Pückler was a man who delighted in the conscious enjoyment of the world and its beauties. He was never boring as a salon guest and could also entertain the company with his discourse. Thanks to his education and intelligence and as a nobleman, committed landscape gardener traveller and author he could converse easily on a wide range of topics. He was also willing to talk about his human weaknesses. Pückler also engaged in this activity in the provinces, i.e. in Branitz, where he invited guests to the popular dinner parties at his castle from 1954. Cottbus's local dignitaries gathered there and he engaged in lively conversation with both his employees and members of the Prussian dynasty, for example Prince Frederick Charles of Prussia and his wife Princess Marie.