Garden Installations

Overview

Nestled in the picturesque town of Wattens, just a short distance from Innsbruck, Austria, Swarovski Crystal Worlds (Swarovski Kristallwelten) stands as a unique realm where art, architecture, and nature converge with the captivating sparkle of crystal. While the renowned ‘Chambers of Wonder’ inside the iconic Giant structure often capture immediate attention, the expansive outdoor ‘Garden Installations’ offer an equally enchanting and immersive experience. This 7.5-hectare parkland is a masterpiece of contemporary landscape design, blending artistic creations with natural beauty and offering a sensory journey through diverse themed areas.

The Garden Installations transform the landscape into an open-air museum, featuring large-scale artworks, playful structures, and serene natural spaces, all interwoven with the dazzling brilliance of Swarovski crystals. It serves as a complementary experience to the indoor exhibits, inviting visitors to explore and interact with art in a vibrant, natural setting.

History & Cultural Background

Swarovski Crystal Worlds was inaugurated in 1995 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Daniel Swarovski's crystal company. Multimedia artist André Heller was commissioned to bring this visionary concept to life, drawing inspiration from the historical 'Chambers of Art and Wonders' cherished by aristocratic families in the 16th century.

The garden area has undergone significant evolution, most notably with a major renovation and expansion between October 2014 and April 2015. This €34 million investment, marking Swarovski's 120th anniversary and Crystal Worlds' 20th, extended the overall area from 3.5 hectares to 7.5 hectares. This expansion introduced several key features, including the 'Crystal Cloud,' a play tower, and the Daniels Kristallwelten restaurant, significantly enhancing the outdoor experience.

During the 2014 reconstruction work, a fascinating discovery was made: Roman building remains dating back to the 3rd century AD, alongside a collection of coins. Archaeologists suggest these fragments may have been part of a Roman manor or a small settlement situated on the ancient Roman road that traversed the Lower Inn Valley, adding a layer of deep historical context to the site.

What Makes It Special

The Garden Installations are distinguished by their ambitious fusion of contemporary art and landscape architecture, presenting crystal in unexpected and dynamic forms. At its heart lies the 'Crystal Cloud', a breathtaking installation by Andy Cao and Xavier Perrot. Spanning approximately 1,400 square meters, this ethereal masterpiece consists of around 800,000 hand-mounted Swarovski crystals, shimmering above a black Mirror Pool. It is recognized as the largest work of its kind globally, creating the illusion of a starry sky even in broad daylight.

Another highlight is the magnificent Carousel, designed by Spanish artist Jaime Hayon. Adorned with 15 million Swarovski crystals, its monochromatic design features fantastical figures that contrast elegantly with the surrounding greenery. The garden also features the 'Labyrinth', a hand-shaped green maze created by André Heller, inviting visitors of all ages to explore.

Beyond these prominent features, the park hosts numerous other unique art installations and sculptures by internationally renowned artists, transforming the landscape into a canvas for crystal artistry. These range from a monumental outdoor crystal circle ('Prologue') to abstract metallic figures, and installations like 'Humility' (an oversized rabbit) and 'Ford Crystal Blue'.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

The Giant, a water-spouting head whose eyes gaze out over the gardens, is more than just an entrance; it is the iconic guardian of the Crystal Worlds and a character invented by André Heller to collect treasures of knowledge and art from around the world.

A fun detail about the Crystal Cloud is that its design aimed to emulate the sparkle of stars across an inky night sky, even when viewed in daylight, fostering a transcendental experience above the Mirror Pool. The Carousel, a popular attraction, not only delights with its 15 million crystals but also offers a playful juxtaposition of classical carousel charm with a modern, artistic sensibility.

The commitment to the local environment is also evident; the garden area promotes biodiversity with flowering meadows and near-natural spaces that provide vital habitats for insects and birds. The unexpected discovery of Roman ruins during the expansion connects this modern crystal wonderland to Austria's ancient past, offering a tangible link to the history of the Inn Valley.

Visitor Perspective

For visitors, the Garden Installations offer a diverse and engaging experience, appealing to art enthusiasts, families, and those seeking serene natural beauty. The blend of impressive large-scale art pieces and meticulously maintained natural landscapes provides ample opportunities for reflection, exploration, and play.

Wandering through the Alpine Garden, guests can enjoy rare and regional plants, leading to an observation deck with panoramic views. The outdoor playground and Playtower offer climbing, sliding, and water play areas, making it an ideal destination for children to expend energy in a creative environment. While most of the grounds, including the Crystal Cloud and Carousel, are accessible, visitors should note that certain areas like the Alpine Garden may have limited accessibility for wheelchairs.

The garden truly complements the indoor 'Chambers of Wonder,' creating a holistic journey through crystal, art, and nature. It's a place where imagination is sparked, and the boundary between reality and enchantment beautifully blurs, regardless of the season.