What Is Il Giardino dei Tarocchi?
Il Giardino dei Tarocchi, or The Tarot Backyard, is a panoramic sculpture park positioned in Garavicchio, close to Capalbio, in southern Tuscany. Conceived and created by French-American artist Niki de Saint Phalle, the backyard options 22 monumental sculptures impressed by the Main Arcana of tarot playing cards. It’s considered one of Italy’s most extraordinary examples of latest outside artwork, mixing symbolism, coloration, and nature into an immersive expertise.
The backyard was constructed over 20 years, from 1979 to 1996, and was formally opened to the general public in 1998. Antonio Gaudí’s Park Güell influenced Niki’s imaginative and prescient in Barcelona, in addition to the Parco dei Mostri in Bomarzo and different fantastical architectural landmarks.
Creative Fashion and Symbolism
Every sculpture within the Tarot Backyard represents a special tarot archetype—The Empress, The Hanged Man, The Tower, and so forth. Furthermore, they’re all interpretations of Niki de Saint Phalle’s daring, surreal, and deeply private model. The sculptures are made out of metal and concrete, that are then coated with vibrant mosaics of ceramic, glass, and mirrors.
As well as, among the sculptures are liveable or walkable, permitting guests to step inside these dreamlike types bodily. As an illustration, Niki herself lived contained in the “Empress” sculpture throughout a part of the development course of. This distinctive association turned it into each a house and a artistic studio.
Moreover, the backyard isn’t just an aesthetic expertise; it’s a non secular journey. It invitations introspection and emotional connection. Certainly, strolling by means of the location appears like wandering by means of a dwelling deck of tarot playing cards. Every sculpture, due to this fact, encourages reflection on completely different points of human life and consciousness.
A Imaginative and prescient Realized with Ardour
Niki de Saint Phalle started the mission utilizing her funds, motivated by a lifelong fascination with mysticism and mythology. Robust on her imaginative and prescient, she labored intently together with her husband, Swiss sculptor Jean Tinguely. The staff additionally included different artists, artisans, and designers.
The doorway to the backyard was designed by famend architect Mario Botta, who created a strong distinction between the exterior world and the fantastical house inside. Guests go by means of a monumental stone wall with a round opening—symbolizing a transition from actuality to creativeness.
Visiting the Tarot Backyard: What to Anticipate
The Tarot Backyard is open from April 1 to October 15, normally from 2:30 PM to 7:30 PM (final entry at 6:15 PM).
Tickets price round €15 and must be booked on-line prematurely, as customer numbers are restricted to protect the tranquility of the house.
There are no guided excursions, encouraging a private exploration of the sculptures and environment. Guests can stroll alongside winding paths, sit in shaded areas, and take within the Mediterranean panorama that surrounds the backyard.
Households with kids, artwork lovers, and non secular seekers alike will discover one thing significant right here.
The backyard is usually open air, so snug strolling footwear and solar safety are beneficial.
Plan Your Go to
Location: Garavicchio, close to Capalbio, Tuscany, Italy. The Backyard is open to the general public from April 1 till October 15, from 2:30 PM to 7:30 PM (final admission at 6:15 PM). Tickets can be found onloine at €15.
Go to their web site to find extra, and let the Tarot Backyard be your portal to a extra imaginative world.
