The 22 figures that Niki de Saint Phalle came up with for her Tarot garden in Tuscany are huge, brightly colored and quite magical. Sometimes they exude arrogance, sometimes they are frightening.
From 1978 to 1998, the French-American sculptor (1930 - 2002) worked on this total work of art, in which she integrated not only her magical sculptures, but also bizarre architecture, stairs, benches, gargoyles and fountains.
From 1983 the artist even lived in the middle of the site. She moved into the walk-in architectural sculpture of the “Empress,” which is designed as a sphinx. The vaulted walls of the interior are covered with thousands of shards of mirrors. The visitor's image is broken down into many small facets as if by a kaleidoscope. A winding staircase leads to the sleeping loft, where the bed in which she slept still stands today.
Anyone who studies the artist's story can see that Niki de Saint Phalle has transformed her negative feelings and memories from her childhood into part of the characters. The Tarot Garden is more than just a childish, playful dream setting at first glance. Definitely worth seeing.
The Tarot Garden is open from April 1st to October 15th from 2:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. There is a small café on site with a variety of food and drinks.