Water art

In the 17th century, supplying water to the numerous water features in the Great Garden, especially the Great Fountain, was a major problem. Even the experienced fountain master Cadart capitulated to this task. In 1696, Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz finally came up with the idea of damming up the Leine, building a connection to the garden and using the fall of the river for a water lift. But it was not until the English engineer Benson succeeded twenty years later.

Technical monument

The baroque water wheels and pumps were completely renewed around 1860. The imposing, now almost 150-year-old "new" water wheels and pumps of the Herrenhausen Gardens' waterworks are an outstanding technical monument. They are still fully functional and today regulate the water level of the Graft surrounding the Great Garden with water from the Leine. However, the entire complex was in need of renovation and could not be entered or visited for 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.