Garden Installations

Overview

Nestled in the picturesque town of Wattens, just a short journey from Innsbruck, Austria, the Garden Installations of Swarovski Crystal Worlds offer a captivating fusion of art, nature, and the renowned sparkle of crystal. This expansive outdoor realm complements the indoor 'Chambers of Wonder' and extends over 7.5 hectares, inviting visitors into a world of artistic exploration and natural beauty. It's a place where magnificent sculptures and playful attractions coexist, all enhanced by the unique brilliance of Swarovski crystals. The gardens are designed to engage all senses, featuring diverse art installations that transform the landscape into an enchanting experience for all ages.

History & Cultural Background

Swarovski Crystal Worlds, known locally as Swarovski Kristallwelten, first opened its doors in 1995 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Swarovski company. The visionary behind this extraordinary crystalline universe was multimedia artist André Heller, who conceptualized the entire experience around the mythological figure of a Giant who journeys the world, collects treasures, and settles in Wattens to watch over his 'Chambers of Wonder'.

The garden installations, while integral to the original design, underwent a significant expansion and redesign in 2015 for the attraction's 20th anniversary. This ambitious project more than doubled the garden's area, growing from 3.5 to 7.5 hectares, and introduced several of its most iconic features, including the Crystal Cloud and the innovative Play Tower. This expansion further solidified the Crystal Worlds' commitment to blending contemporary art with the natural environment, drawing inspiration from historical 'Chambers of Art and Wonders' or 'Wunderkammern', which were precursors to modern museums.

What Makes It Special

The Garden Installations are distinguished by several extraordinary features, each a marvel of design and crystal artistry. The undeniable centerpiece is the 'Crystal Cloud', a monumental and mystical installation designed by artists Andy Cao and Xavier Perrot. Spanning approximately 1,400 square meters, this shimmering cloud floats above a black mirror pool and is composed of more than 800,000 hand-set Swarovski crystals, creating an illusion of stars reflecting in water, even in broad daylight.

Another highlight is the unique black-and-white carousel, imagined by Spanish designer Jaime Hayon. Adorned with an astonishing 15 million Swarovski crystals across its ceiling and wall panels, it offers a whimsical and sparkling ride that appeals to both children and adults. For younger visitors, the Play Tower, a design by the renowned architectural firm Snøhetta, provides a multi-level, interactive experience with a 14-meter vertical climbing net and various activities. The garden also features a hand-shaped green labyrinth, inviting exploration and playful navigation, along with numerous other sculptures and artistic creations seamlessly integrated into the alpine landscape.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

The entire Swarovski Crystal Worlds complex, including its garden, is steeped in a narrative of wonder and imagination, stemming from André Heller's original concept of the Giant. This mythical figure, with its mouth serving as the entrance to the 'Chambers of Wonder', symbolizes a guardian of knowledge and beauty, embodying the spirit of curiosity that crystal itself inspires.

A fascinating aspect of the gardens is their continuous evolution, with new artists and designers regularly contributing to the landscape, ensuring a fresh experience with each visit. The redesign in 2015 was not merely an expansion in size but a profound re-imagining that embraced diverse artistic expressions, turning the garden into a dynamic open-air gallery. Visitors often enjoy discovering hidden gnomes and playful elements scattered throughout the property, adding a layer of whimsical charm to the artistic grandeur. The meticulous arrangement of plants and art pieces creates harmonious scenes where light, water, and the natural Tyrolean environment converge with human creativity.

Visitor Perspective

For visitors, the Garden Installations offer a diverse experience ranging from serene contemplation to active play. It's a destination that caters wonderfully to families, providing ample space for children to engage with the Play Tower, labyrinth, and other interactive elements, while adults can immerse themselves in the art and natural beauty. The Crystal Cloud, in particular, often elicits gasps of awe, its glittering expanse a powerful visual statement against the backdrop of the Austrian Alps. Many find themselves captivated by the way the mirror pool perfectly reflects the cloud and the surrounding art, creating stunning photographic opportunities.

Beyond the visual spectacle, the gardens are designed for lingering, with comfortable seating areas that invite visitors to pause and soak in the atmosphere. The integration of local flora and the breathtaking mountain views ensure that the natural setting is as much a part of the experience as the crystal art. Whether exploring the intricate details of a sculpture, getting lost in the maze, or simply enjoying a moment of tranquility amidst the sparkling installations, the Garden Installations provide a memorable and multifaceted journey into a world where crystals come alive.