top of page
André Heller’s The Gate
The Gate, 1988

André Heller’s *The Gate* is an intricate and symbolic entrance to his garden, inspired by Ghiberti’s *Gates of Paradise*. The gate represents duality—night and day—through celestial and earthly motifs, inviting visitors to embrace curiosity and childlike wonder. A serpent encircling the gate references the Garden of Eden, reinforcing themes of transformation and temptation. More than a boundary, *The Gate* is a portal into Heller’s dream world, where preconceptions are left behind. Heller’s career spans music, film, literature, and immersive art, including his influential interactive art park *Luna Luna*.

André Heller
Butterflies, 2022
Butterflies, 2022

Valdés’ *Mariposas* is a mesmerizing sculpture that greets visitors with a cascade of butterflies surrounding a female figure. Inspired by a real-life encounter in Central Park, the work blurs the lines between tangible and ephemeral. The reflective surfaces integrate the surrounding garden, creating an ever-changing display of light and color. Valdés masterfully juxtaposes movement and stillness, emphasizing transformation.

Manolo Valdés
Namdakov’s Tibetan Flags
Tibetan Flags

Namdakov’s *Tibetan Flags* installation consists of colorful prayer flags traditionally found in Himalayan landscapes. Imbued with Buddhist symbolism, each flag carries sutras (sacred texts) meant to spread blessings with the wind. The five colors represent the elements—earth, water, fire, air, and space—embodying harmony. By incorporating these flags into the garden, Namdakov transforms the space into a site of spiritual reflection.

Dashi Namdakov
Buddha Sdraiato/ Parinirvana
Parinirvana

This reclining Buddha sculpture represents *parinirvana*—the ultimate state of enlightenment after death. In Buddhist teachings, those who attain nirvana escape the cycle of rebirth, entering eternal peace. Traditionally depicted among disciples, this Buddha instead lies amidst nature and sculptures, symbolizing the union of art, spirituality, and the natural world.

Buddha Sdraiato
Dog, 1986
Dog, 1986

Haring’s *Dog* is an iconic pop-art sculpture bursting with energy and symbolism. While its vibrant red and dynamic posture exude playfulness, the work also critiques power and authority. Inspired by Egyptian mythology, particularly Anubis, it challenges perceptions of obedience and resistance. As a queer artist and activist, Haring infused his art with messages of social justice, particularly for marginalized communities.

Keith Haring
Rudolf Hirt -  Ganesh, 1991
Ganesh, 1991

Hirt’s interpretation of *Ganesha* blends traditional Hindu iconography with his own artistic vision. Deviating from typical depictions, his Ganesha holds a pig instead of a lotus, inviting deeper interpretation. The sculpture’s details—such as the small monkey-like mouse at its feet—enrich its symbolism, reinforcing themes of wisdom, enlightenment, and overcoming adversity.

Rudolf Hirt
Atelier Van Lieshout Predatory, Wise and Persistent, 2021
Predatory, Wise and Persistent, 2021

This trio of avian sculptures—a vulture, owl, and eagle—embody political and philosophical themes. The birds symbolize opportunism, wisdom, and power, forming a modern allegory akin to Japan’s “See No Evil” monkeys. The work critiques political structures and human nature while seamlessly blending into the lush garden surroundings.

Atelier Van Lieshout
Casa Del Guerriero/ House of the Warrior
House of the Warrior

"House of the Warrior," a white wooden structure resembling a beehive, hides a miniature warrior within. Perched on stilts, its rudimentary holes invite closer inspection, revealing his solitary presence. His isolation sparks narrative: deserted, or awaiting comrades? The viewer decides his fate. Though seemingly hastily built, like Everest temples, its simple form belies resilience. The white exterior, reminiscent of Eastern purity, enhances this connection. Set in the lush Heller garden, the house invites imaginative contemplation, blending fragility and strength, solitude and resilience.

Casa Del Guerriero
Pierre Auguste Renoir, Richard Guino  - La Grande Laveuse Accroupie
La Grand Laveuse Accroupie

Renoir’s *Washerwoman* is one of his most significant sculptures, depicting a working-class figure engaged in everyday labor. Despite its imposing form, the piece radiates a sense of peace and dignity. Renoir, suffering from arthritis, collaborated with sculptor Richard Guino to bring this vision to life, reaffirming his artistic dedication even in his final years.

Pierre Auguste Renoir, Richard Guino
Oswald Tschirtner ( Austrian 1920-2007) O.T
O.T

Tschirtner’s *Head-Footer* sculpture embodies his minimalist, surrealist style. Created in a psychiatric hospital, the elongated figure is at once alien and human, reflecting the artist’s isolated existence. Its simplistic, continuous black line mirrors Tschirtner’s drawings, reinforcing themes of solitude and detachment.

Oswald Tschirtner
Tuffatori su Colonne, (Swindlers on Columns) 2009
Swindlers on Columns, 2009

Fuga’s whimsical ceramic figures evoke joy and contemplation. Scattered throughout the garden, they appear mid-leap or deep in thought. Their varied expressions reflect the spectrum of human emotion, encouraging viewers to explore their own interpretations.

Mariano Fuga
Japanese Fish and Fishermen
Anonymous

Heller Garden's koi carp hide in deep ponds, contrasting with a dramatic sculpture: two anglers struggle with an enormous fish. The fish, impaled by a giant hook, writhes in pain, its size fantastical, possibly referencing the "Akugyo" myth. The scene echoes Japanese art, where fishing is both practical and symbolic. Japan's climate and island status fostered fishing, evidenced by ancient harpoon-like hooks. The sculpture captures the tension between man and nature, blending myth and historical fishing practices into a visually striking tableau.

Japanese Fish and Fishermen
 Buddha seduto Padmasana
Padmasana

This seated Buddha in *padmasana* (lotus position) embodies meditation and enlightenment. His calm demeanor reflects Buddhist ideals of inner peace and mindfulness. The sculpture’s placement within the lush garden transforms the space into a meditative retreat, inviting visitors to pause and reflect.

Buddha Seduto
Pyramids, 1968
Pyramids, 1968

Lichtenstein’s *Pyramids* blends pop art with minimalism, transforming an ancient symbol into a two-dimensional, comic book-inspired design. The work reflects his exploration of perspective and his interest in blending popular culture with high art.

Roy Lichtenstein
Bridge of Monsters, 1991
Bridge of Monsters, 1991

Heller’s *Bridge of Monsters* embodies the absurdity of human intolerance through two grotesque, water-spitting heads, believed to resemble the Devil and the former Bishop of Vienna These dueling figures atop the bridge challenge visitors to confront fear and take risks. The bridge itself is a metaphor for bravery, symbolizing the transition from certainty to the unknown. The playful yet thought-provoking installation urges guests to step beyond their comfort zones.

André Heller
Spirito del bosco (The Spirit of the Woods), 1992
The Spirit of the Woods, 1992

Perched among hydrangeas, Schmögner’s golden bronze sculpture embodies mystery and transformation. As the seasons change, it alternates between being hidden and revealed. Its solemn, military-like presence suggests both protection and surveillance, creating an interplay of playfulness and latent danger. The piece seamlessly blends into nature, reinforcing the artist’s fascination with ambiguity and the unseen.

Susanne Schmögner
Torii Porta Giappone (Japanese Gate)
Japanese Gate

The *Torii* gate in the garden signifies a transition from the mundane to the sacred, mirroring traditional Japanese Shinto gates marking temple entrances. Its bold vermillion color contrasts with the surrounding bamboo, symbolizing vitality and spiritual protection. By placing a *Torii* within the Heller Garden, the space is elevated to a contemplative sanctuary, blending Eastern and Western philosophies of nature and transcendence.

Torii
Anguish 303, 2018
Anguish 303, 2018

Deok’s *Anguish 303* depicts a figure cowering in distress, composed entirely of welded chains. The material symbolizes both strength and confinement, reflecting the struggles of modern existence. The faceless form invites viewers to project their own emotions onto the piece.

Seo Young Deok
Totem
Totem

Haring’s *Totem* explores universal human connection through a towering, minimalist structure. Reflecting indigenous and ancient artistic traditions, the figures on the sculpture interlock in a continuous embrace, symbolizing unity. Created near the end of Haring’s life, the work embodies themes of mortality, resilience, and the power of collective strength.

Keith Haring
Terracotta Face, 1992
Terracotta Face, 1992

Schmögner’s *Terracotta Face* explores the tension between the natural and the artificial. Hidden within the garden, its mask-like appearance is both welcoming and unsettling, questioning perception. The sculpture’s primitive design, surreal facial features, and heraldic shield-like form create a dialogue between ancient traditions and modern surrealism.

Susanne Schmögner
Rudolph Hirt (Austrian b.1947) Pan, 1991
Pan, 1991

Hirt’s youthful *Pan* stands in a playful yet seductive pose, referencing Greek and Roman mythology. Traditionally associated with fertility and wilderness, Pan’s presence in the garden celebrates the untamed beauty of nature. The sculpture evokes both ancient myths and modern interpretations, including *Peter Pan*, linking eternal youth with the spirit of mischief.

Rudolph Hirt
Medusa - Anonymous
Anonymous

Medusa's marble head, adorned with snakes, gazes unflinchingly. Once a beautiful mortal, she was cursed by Athena, transforming her into a solitary, stone-turning monster. Her "gorgoneion" evolved from grotesque to beautiful, symbolizing protection and power. Perseus famously beheaded her, using her head as a symbol of victory. In the Heller Garden, the weathered Medusa blends with her surroundings, prompting reflection on ancient myths and their enduring influence. Her presence, once a symbol of fear, now invites contemplation.

Medusa
The Inner Voice, 1886
The Inner Voice, 1886

Rodin’s *The Inner Voice* is a dynamic yet introspective sculpture, capturing movement and emotion through its twisted form. Originally part of *The Gates of Hell*, the work represents meditation and inner struggle. Rodin’s decision to leave it unfinished adds to its philosophical depth, inviting viewers to complete its meaning.

Auguste Rodin
The Witness, 1993

Paladino’s *The Witness* is a mysterious sculpture depicting a figure entwined with two serpentine creatures. The figure’s anxious expression suggests a moment of tension—whether the snakes are protectors or threats remains ambiguous. Inspired by classical mythology, particularly the tale of Hercules and the serpents, Paladino reinterprets ancient themes through a contemporary lens. The smooth, pale limestone gives the work a two-dimensional quality, enhancing its dreamlike atmosphere.

Mimmo Paladino
Shishi Odoshi - Japanese Scarecrows
Japanese Scarecrows

These striking red scarecrows, with abstracted bird-like forms, create a lyrical, almost musical presence in the garden. *Shishi Odoshi*—bamboo water fountains used in Japanese gardens—are also present, producing rhythmic sounds meant to startle animals while fostering tranquility. Together, the sculptures and water elements merge function with aesthetics, reinforcing themes of balance and harmony.

Shishi Odoshi
Come Sono Buono Gli Uomini (How Tasty Men Are), 2015
How Tasty Men Are, 2015

Levi’s surreal sculpture depicts a giant fish with human figures inside its belly—one side showing them resting, the other revealing their skeletal remains. This duality evokes themes of consumption, mortality, and existential contemplation. Drawing inspiration from Bruegel’s *Big Fish Eat Little Fish*, the work critiques the natural cycle of power and exploitation. Levi’s raw, naïve artistic style transforms this unsettling allegory into a provocative yet humorous reflection on human existence.

Francesco Levi
La Gabbia, The Cage, 2015
The Cage, 2015

Ciroli’s *La Gabbia* is a striking composition of white human figures climbing within a sparse tree-like structure, all encased within a cage. The piece embodies the tension between aspiration and confinement—whether the cage protects or limits them is left ambiguous. The sculpture merges seamlessly with its surroundings, prompting reflections on human ambition, freedom, and solitude.

Roberto Ciroli
Amethyst
Monumental Geode

This monumental amethyst geode, among the largest in the world, mesmerizes with its deep violet crystals. Historically associated with sobriety, spirituality, and royalty, amethyst has been revered across cultures. Ancient Greek mythology links it to Bacchus, while Tibetan Buddhists regard it as sacred. The natural wonder of this gemstone invites contemplation on the earth’s hidden beauty and geological marvels.

Amethyst
Piramide, 1995
Piramide, 1995

Novak’s *Piramide* is a minimalist sculpture that blends seamlessly with the natural environment, contrasting the grandeur of ancient pyramids. Its presence invites contemplation on mortality, legacy, and human ambition. Like the works of land artist Richard Long, Novak’s piece elevates the ordinary into something profound, reflecting on the intersection of nature and constructed form. His background in psychedelic garage rock adds another dimension to his artistic philosophy of transformation.

Erwin Novak
Adam and Eve, 1989
Adam and Eve, 1989

Saint Phalle’s vibrant, voluptuous *Adam and Eve* reinterprets the biblical tale with a playful, feminist lens. Unlike traditional depictions emphasizing shame and sin, her figures are joyful, colorful, and free of judgment. The bright, rounded forms and patterns embody Saint Phalle’s signature style, reflecting her mission to reimagine historical narratives through female empowerment. The work is a continuation of her large-scale *Tarot Garden* project, where mythology and contemporary sensibilities merge.

Niki De Saint Phalle
Girlie
Girlie, 2003

Pongratz’s *Girlie* playfully distorts the human form, subverting expectations of femininity. The figure’s exaggerated proportions, misplaced shoes, and wicker-basket-like torso challenge conventional depictions of the female body. Lacking arms, the sculpture interacts with its environment, as tree branches behind it seem to extend from its body. Pongratz’s background in multiple artistic disciplines informs this whimsical yet thought-provoking piece, which reimagines the human figure in surreal ways.

Peter Pongratz
God of the Waters
God of the Waters

This monumental sculpture reimagines water deities beyond the Western archetype of Poseidon. Hirt’s *God of the Waters* exudes serenity rather than power, inviting contemplation. At night, an ethereal mist and illuminated figures inside the sculpture create a theatrical, otherworldly experience, reinforcing its mystical nature.

Rudolf Hirt
Genius Loci- Arte Topiaria, 1993
Genius Loci- Arte Topiaria, 1993

Heller’s *Genius Loci* is a living sculpture—an oversized topiary bust that seamlessly blends with the surrounding landscape. Positioned with a breathtaking view of Lake Garda, its striking blue eyes command attention and invite contemplation. The work reflects Heller’s philosophy of integrating art with nature, as seen in his Marrakech garden, *Anima*. He views gardens as living expressions of art, blending natural beauty with human creativity.

André Heller
Edgar Tezak  Casetta del giochi, 1988
Casetta del giochi, 1988

Tezak’s *Casetta del Giochi* is a whimsical, painted playhouse nestled among the garden’s rocky outcrops. Adorned with surreal imagery of birds, animals, and abstract forms, it explores the boundary between reality and imagination. The artist’s deep interest in human-animal relationships and mythology is evident in his symbolic use of doves and yellow birds. Through its vibrant storytelling, the playhouse encourages childlike wonder while also confronting deeper philosophical themes.

Edgar Tezak
Face
Face

Miró’s *Face* is a small, abstract portrait rendered in terracotta with bold black ink. The work’s primitive, cave-painting aesthetic reflects Miró’s fascination with early human mark-making. Despite its simplicity, the animated face invites curiosity, and its placement beside Erwin Novak’s work establishes a playful dialogue between the two artists. Miró’s lifelong experimentation with ceramics and unconventional materials is evident in this piece, which celebrates the spontaneity of creation.

Joan Miró
Sweet Rain, 2016
Sweet Rain, 2016

Nishimura’s *Süßer Regen* is a delicately abstract bronze sculpture inspired by the lotus flower, a central motif in his work. Rooted in Buddhist philosophy, the piece symbolizes purity, rebirth, and enlightenment. The title refers to a Buddhist legend in which divine rain falls upon Buddha’s birth, emphasizing spiritual awakening. The sculpture’s unfolding form mimics the lotus’s growth from mud to bloom, paralleling the human journey toward transcendence.

Morio Nishimura

Art in the Garden

The Timeless Art inside the Botanical Garden

Descriptions by

Georgia Hughes, Maestra Art

Brief Description
00:00 / 01:32

After Arturo Hruska’s passing, the garden lay dormant until 1988, when Austrian artist André Heller discovered its magic and reimagined it as a living theatre of art and nature. Enchanted by its botanical richness, Heller introduced artworks —some harmonious, others boldly confrontational—creating a sanctuary for creatives from around the world. Sculptures by Rodin, Renoir, and contemporary voices now coexist with over 3,000 plant species. Artists, musicians, and dreamers have all contributed, blurring the line between creation and curation. Today, under the care of Jovanka and Hans Porsche, the garden continues to evolve as a living, breathing work of art.

bottom of page