Water art

In the Great Garden, supplying water to the numerous water features—and especially to the Great Fountain—posed a major problem in the 17th century. Even the experienced fountain master Cadart gave up on this task. Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz finally came up with the idea in 1696 to dam the Leine River, build a connection to the garden, and use the river’s drop to power a water-lifting mechanism. But it was not until twenty years later that the English engineer Benson succeeded.

Technical monument

The Baroque waterwheels and pumps were completely renovated around 1860. The imposing “new” water wheels and pumps at the Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen Water Art, now nearly 150 years old, are an outstanding technical monument. They are still fully functional and today regulate the water level of the Graft canal surrounding the Great Garden using water from the Leine River. However, the entire facility was in need of renovation and could not be entered or visited for many years.

Following extensive restoration, the water feature has been open to the public again since 2022. This year, there are three dates: on Sunday, July 19, and Sunday, August 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on both days, visitors can learn about the technically sophisticated system from experts. Another tour will be available on Open Monument Day, September 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Advance registration is not required. Since, for safety reasons, only a limited number of people are allowed in the Wasserkunst at any one time, there may be wait times. On July 19 and August 9, admission is seven euros; reduced-rate admission is five euros. On September 13, admission is free. Children under the age of twelve and pets are not permitted in the Wasserkunst.

There is no on-site parking. From the Schaumburgstraße stop, it's about a 15-minute walk to the Wasserkunst.