Beethovenplatz is located on the edge of Weimar's old town. The square, dominated by trees, hedges and lawns, borders directly on the Park an der Ilm, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 1613, the so-called Welsche Garten, a ducal kitchen garden and pleasure garden, was laid out on this site. Inspired by Italian models, it was characterized by a geometric layout and ornamental flower beds. There was also an orangery, a menagerie and aviaries. After urban enclosure, the square became more and more built-up. The adjacent Dingelsted House, built around the same time, has been preserved. On the south side stands the archive building built in 1885 by Carl Heinrich Ferdinand Streichhan.