SCUPLTURE PARKS & GARDENS
a perfect merging of art and nature
KLOSTER SCHOENTHAL 1145
Langenbruck, Switzerland
PETER NAGEL. Planet der Schweine, 2003.
NICOLA HICKS. Minotaur, 2006.
Kloster courtyard.
HANS JOSEPHSOHN. Verena, 1988/89.
Kloster Schoenthal sculpture park is a farm and monastery with the mission statement: a place where history, nature and contemporary art merge into a living unity. In the midst of a unique cultural landscape, we create space for contemplation, inspiration and creative encounters.
It’s an incredibly peaceful place with sculptures scattered throughout the property, some hidden in the woods, others overlooking the rolling green fields. I was particularly captivated by Nicola Hick’s bronze “Minotaur” sculpture (above) The emotion of her character fallen to his knees, staring at his open, possibly wounded hand was palpable.
During my walk I happened to meet the current artist in residence, Simone Steinegger and she invited me into the barn she is using as a studio. Despite the fact that the building can be quite dark and has no electricity or running water Simone was persisting in her diverse and dynamic sculptural work.
TREMENHEERE SCULPTURE GARDENS
Penzance, United Kingdom
MATT CHIVERS. Hybrid.
JAMES TURRELL. Tewlwolow Kernow, 2015.
SHAIKHA AL MAZROU. Red Stack, 2022.
Tremenheere is not only a sculpture park, but consists of stunning almost tropical gardens full of secret meadows and ponds. It’s coastal Cornwall location has terrific views of nearby St. Michaels Mount, an island with a Norman church that can only be accessed at low tide. The location is also an ideal stopover on the South West Coast path as the trail passes directly through the gardens. Additionally there is a modern gallery with rotating exhibits, restaurant and unique gift shop.
BARBARA HEPWORTH MUSEUM & SCULPTURE GARDEN
St. Ives, United Kingdom
As the name suggests, this museum and sculpture garden is dedicated to one artist, Dame Barbara Hepworth who is likely the most well known female British sculptor. The museum is her former house, studio and gardens.
MUROU ART FOREST
Murou (Nara), Japan
Originally developed by local sculptor Inoue Fukichi, this sculpture park was completed by Israeli artist Dani Karavan in 2006. It’s in a relatively remote part of Nara and I accessed it by hiking through 5 kilometers of quiet & mossy forest. (You can also reach it by car or bus.)
BENESSE HOUSE MUSEUM VALLEY GALLERY
Naoshima Island, Japan
TSUYOHSI OZAWA. Slag Buddha 88, 2006.
YAYOI KUSAMA. Narcissus Garden. TADAO ANDO, architect.
YAYOI KUSAMA. Narcissus Garden.
I visited Kloster Schoenthal on a quiet Monday in July and was lucky enough to be the only person there. It’s a farm and monastery with the mission statement: a place where history, nature and contemporary art merge into a living unity. In the midst of a unique cultural landscape, we create space for contemplation, inspiration and creative encounters.
It’s an incredibly peaceful place with sculptures scattered throughout the property, some hidden in the woods, others overlooking the rolling green fields. I was particularly captivated by Nicola Hick’s bronze “Minotaur” sculpture (above) The emotion of her character fallen to his knees, staring at his open, possibly wounded hand was palpable.
During my walk I happened to meet the current artist in residence, Simone Steinegger and she invited me into the barn she is using as a studio. Despite the fact that the building can be quite dark and has no electricity or running water Simone was persisting in her diverse and dynamic sculptural work.