Current plans for the BUGA: TUD has supported the project from the outset

In 2033, the National Garden Show (BUGA) will be held in Dresden, marking its debut of being hosted in Saxony. The potential that this major event could have for the city is highlighted in the latest update to the BUGA concept, which was presented on November 21, 2025 by Mayor Dirk Hilbert alongside numerous BUGA partners, including representatives from TUD Dresden University of Technology. TUD has been closely involved in the BUGA planning process from the drawing board all the way through to the feasibility study. It has been providing intensive support, including scientific and design input. Under the guiding theme “MOMENTUM BUGA DRESDEN 2033 – We are planting the future,” the next phase of implementation is now underway.

TUD closely involved

A key component in the development of a vibrant city is close cooperation with strong partners from science, the region, and business. TUD and HTW Dresden provide scientific input.

The Institute of Landscape Architecture at TUD, headed by Director Prof. Catrin Schmidt, provided significant support to the city of Dresden in developing a concept for the National Garden Show and will continue to closely accompany the project. Designs and final theses by landscape architecture students continually bring fresh ideas and inspiration to the project. As part of a student competition organized by the Institute of Concrete Structures and the Collaborative Research Center/Transregio 280 under the patronage of the city of Dresden, designs were created for a pedestrian and bicycle bridge at Südpark Dresden.

What is the plan so far?

© LHDD / Cromatics

With the updated BUGA concept, the planning from the 2023 feasibility study is being adapted to current financial, organizational, and social parameters. The aim is to set priorities and focal points and to define the strategic basis for the next planning steps. BUGA 2033 builds on many existing city plans—including the climate adaptation concept, the heat action plan, and the Integrated Urban Development Concept (INSEK). It will combine these different approaches and make their goals visible and tangible for everyone. In this way, the National Garden Show will contribute to making Dresden more resilient to the effects of climate change, thereby improving the microclimate in the city and using land more sustainably in the future.

The BUGA will focus on two central development axes covering an area of around 100 hectares, which will shape Dresden in the long term:

• Lifeline Südpark – TU Dresden – City Center: With the motto “Dresdens neuer Weitblick” (Dresden's new vision) in mind, a connection between green spaces, movement, sports, and culture is being created – as a symbol of climate awareness, recreation, and community.
• Lifeline Prohlis – Galopprennbahn (Horse Racing Track) – Leuben Kiesseen (lakes): The title “Dresdens neues Miteinander” (Dresden's new togetherness) refers to a connection between the city, active space, water, and nature that is being created – as a symbol of ecological transformation, participation, and quality of life.

© LHDD / Cromatics

The project involves investments of around EUR 120 million, which will be distributed across three core areas: Südpark (EUR 39 million), Galopprennbahn (EUR 39 million), and theLeuben Kiesseen  (EUR 19 million), as well as other urban development areas such as the city center and Prohlis. The investment amounts to EUR 60 million in state funds from the city of Dresden and EUR 60 million in subsidies. Compared with the 2023 feasibility study, no locations have been fully removed from the BUGA concept.

The City of Dresden will present the updated concept to the municipal committees. A decision by the city council is expected at the beginning of 2026. A competition for garden and landscape architects is planned for mid-2026. Once the competition has been concluded, concrete construction planning for the permanent BUGA facilities will begin and initial construction work will start in 2029.