The garden was originally created in 1910 by the Czech dentist and botanist Arturo Hruska.
André Heller acquired the property in 1988 and integrated his vision of a 'botanical sanctuary' with international contemporary art.
The site contains over 500 species of plants, including rare orchids, ferns, and giant water lilies.
The park utilizes a microclimate influenced by the proximity to Lake Garda, allowing non-native tropical and subtropical plants to thrive outdoors.
Several art installations are interactive or integrated into the natural landscape to blur the line between nature and sculpture.
The garden includes a dedicated collection of diverse moss species growing on the rocks, specifically curated by Hruska.
The Giardino Botanico Fondazione André Heller is a botanical park established on the former property of Arturo Hruska, featuring a fusion of diverse plant species and contemporary art installations. Located on the western shore of Lake Garda, the garden integrates alpine, tropical, and Mediterranean flora across a sloping landscape. The grounds feature permanent sculptures by artists such as Keith Haring, Roy Lichtenstein, and Mimmo Paladino. Water features including ponds, streams, and waterfalls are strategically placed throughout the rock garden elements. The site is owned and managed by the André Heller Foundation, which maintains the curation of both the botanical collection and the outdoor gallery. The terrain is characterized by uneven topography with varying elevations providing vistas of the surrounding lake area.
The pond area featuring the large lotus leaves and the backdrop of the surrounding lake and mountains.
Wear sturdy walking shoes as the garden features steep paths, stairs, and uneven terrain.
Bring sun protection and water, as there are limited shaded areas on the open paths during peak midday sun.
Allow extra time to photograph the art pieces, as they are scattered throughout the winding botanical trails.
Do not attempt to navigate the steep, winding garden paths with strollers or wheelchairs without checking accessibility routes, as many areas are accessible only by stairs.
Open daily from spring through late autumn; closed during the winter months.
Stick to the marked paths to protect the delicate rock gardens and plant root systems.
