Bratislava’s green gem is now even better; the Prüger-Wallner Garden opens its restored original greenhouses

The ornamental garden, which was created at the end of the 19th century by the famous hoteliers, the Prüger family, was for several decades without any systematic maintenance, which affected both its appearance and condition. Almost nothing has survived from the original garden arrangements, aside from a few massive trees, the remains of the staircase, the boiler room building and the foundations of the original greenhouses, in which vegetables and flowers were once grown not only for Heinrich Prüger’s household, but also for his Carlton Hotel, which at that time hosted many world-renowned personalities.

The gradual revitalisation of the abandoned and neglected garden began in 2013, primarily on the initiative of Bratislava’s Staré Mesto District and the support of volunteers, mainly from the non-profit organisation Národný Trust (National Trust). The project was later launched by the municipality, which managed to acquire funds from Nadácia VÚB banky (VUB Bank Foundation), and in 2021, a large part of the garden was restored in a natural spirit. A community garden was added; the historic gardener’s house was gradually restored and began serving for community activities; a children’s playground was added; the walking trails were improved; a wetland habitat was created, and the garden quickly became a popular and beloved spot for Bratislava residents.

As part of the comprehensive revitalisation, the city decided to restore the original historic greenhouses and invited Nadácia Volkswagen Slovakia to cooperate on this. The ceremonial first excavation on the occasion of the official start of cooperation between Nadácia Volkswagen Slovakia and the city of Bratislava on the restoration of unique historic greenhouses took place last year, and today, these three restored historic greenhouses were officially put into use.

Said Michaela Kubíková, director of the non-profit organisation Národný Trust n.o.:

“Until recently, the historic greenhouses in the Prüger-Wallner Garden were in a neglected and almost forgotten state. Today, like the garden as a whole, they are gradually being transformed into a place of new life, cultivation, gatherings and community activities. It has been a bit incredible to watch this transformation, because the restoration of old greenhouses is not something we come across every day. We thus appreciate all the more that Prugerka is getting a chance to come back to life."

Says Wolfram Kirchert, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Volkswagen Slovakia:

“By supporting the reconstruction of the historic greenhouses in the Prüger-Wallner Garden, we want to contribute to the preservation of a unique place that connects people, strengthens community life and creates space for education, social issues and intergenerational cooperation. Volkswagen Slovakia has for 35 years now been a responsible partner of the region in which it operates. Social responsibility and the development of our surroundings have long been part of the DNA of Volkswagen Slovakia."

The restored greenhouses are divided into two parts – a cultivation part, intended for community gardening, and a relaxation part, which will be a space for cultural, community and educational activities. The non-profit organisation Národný Trust, which also founded the Prugerka Community Garden here in 2021 and has been involved in the preservation of the Prüger-Wallner Garden itself since 2013, will handle the management and operation of community gardening in the greenhouses. It regularly organises volunteer activities here, such as the Weekend of Open Parks and Gardens event, or workshops for children and the organising of work brigades.

The renovation of the greenhouses has expanded the space for using the garden for recreational activities, thereby increasing the recreational potential of this unique public space again.

Concluded Matúš Vallo the mayor of the capital city:

“I believe that just as this garden has been gradually renovated and expanded, the community of people who like to spend time here will continue to grow. This has been our goal from the beginning, because it is the community that helps to build a cohesive society and a better city."

On the occasion of the official opening and handover of the restored historical greenhouses, the renovated garden was also visited by a direct relative of Heinrich Prüger (the founder of this garden), Mr. Johannes Lippert.

Concluded Johannes Lippert:

“The restoration of this garden is something amazing for me, because finding something like this in the middle of the city is something you don’t see very often. Particularly at a time when we have to deal with the impacts of climate change, something like this that you can come to without having to pay any entrance fee is simply fantastic. I live in the city of Regensburg, which is also located on the Danube and has a huge castle, bigger than Buckingham Palace, and there is also a huge garden with many trees, but no one is allowed to enter there. Only at Christmas, for Christmas markets, and even then, only after paying the entrance fee. That’s why I think that a garden like the Prüger-Wallner Garden should be highly valued."