Pergola and Multimedia Fountain

Hans Poelzig shaped the Pergola as a half-ellipse, following the outline of the artificial pond. Two rows of supports carry a canopy over the waterside walkway. Instead of a solid roof, there is an open lattice covered with vines: vegetation completes the structure and provides shade in summer.

The Pergola comprises 750 raw-concrete columns. Their surface is rough, without cladding that imitates stone. Repeated supports establish the rhythm of the long curve; the architect used a simple element many times to create an extensive space for walking.

The Pergola and pond are surviving features of the former Exhibition Grounds. Together with the Hall and Four Domes Pavilion, they form a historic architectural layout. A restaurant building with an open terrace was planned between the pond and Hall, bringing together exhibition, leisure and dining spaces.

The Multimedia Fountain opened on 4 June 2009, almost a century after the grounds were laid out. Its installation includes around 300 water jets, three fire jets and lighting units. Water was combined with music and projections onto a water screen. This is modern equipment added to the pond, not a mechanism surviving from the Centennial Exhibition.