The André Heller Garden is an unusual botanical garden in Gardone Riviera on the shores of Lake Garda in northern Italy. It combines rare plants from around the world with ponds, small waterfalls, winding paths and contemporary artworks. Unlike a traditional botanical collection, it brings plants and sculptures together in a single artistic environment, where natural landscapes meet unexpected creative ideas.
The garden lies in the scenic region of Lombardy, where Lake Garda's mild climate makes it possible to cultivate plants from different climatic zones. Tropical species, Alpine flora, bamboo, ferns, magnolias, cacti and aquatic plants grow within a relatively compact area. This variety makes a walk feel like a journey through different parts of the world.
The garden's origins
The garden's story began in the early 20th century, when Arturo Hruska, a physician, dentist and passionate naturalist, arrived in Gardone Riviera. He recognised the area's favourable climate and decided to create a botanical garden near his residence. From around 1901, Hruska collected plants from different regions, seeking to provide suitable growing conditions for each species. Major development took place during the first half of the century, including the years 1912–1914.
Hruska's ambition was not simply to collect rare plants. He wanted to create small natural worlds in which vegetation, stone, water and terrain worked together. Streams, ponds, rocky areas and secluded corners with different microclimates became important elements of the garden.
In the late 20th century, the garden entered a new phase. From the 1980s onward, it became associated with Austrian artist, poet and multimedia creator André Heller. He preserved its botanical foundations while adding artworks and his own artistic vision. Gradually, the garden developed into a meeting place for botany, landscape design and contemporary art.
Plants from around the world
One of the garden's defining features is the diversity of its plant life. The collection contains thousands of species and varieties from Asia, Africa, Australia, the Americas and Europe, representing very different natural environments.
Visitors can discover bamboo, magnolias, ferns, irises, aquatic plants, subtropical species and a variety of succulents. Some areas resemble humid tropical forests, while others evoke Alpine landscapes with rocks and miniature ravines. Bamboo groves form green corridors, and small ponds and streams add freshness and movement.
Japanese influences and water features
Japanese garden aesthetics have influenced several parts of the landscape. Winding paths, stones, reflective water and small bridges create a sense of harmony and naturalness. Ponds contain aquatic plants, including water lilies, while streams and small waterfalls connect different areas. Reflections of leaves and sculptures change with the light, making familiar corners look different throughout the day.
The garden avoids strict geometric symmetry. Its appeal lies in the gradual discovery of space: a turn in the path may reveal a secluded clearing, an unusual sculpture or a pond surrounded by dense greenery. Walking through the garden feels like exploring a hidden natural world.
Contemporary art among the plants
André Heller transformed the botanical garden into a place where artworks interact closely with nature. Sculptures and artistic installations by renowned creators appear throughout the greenery. The collection includes works by Keith Haring, Roy Lichtenstein, Auguste Rodin, Fernand Léger, Niki de Saint Phalle and Manolo Valdés. Their styles range from pop art and expressive graphic forms to classical sculpture and colourful decorative imagery.
The sculptures are not simply placed beside the paths. They interact with plants, stone, water and light. Some works can be seen from a distance, while others emerge unexpectedly from the foliage or appear in the reflections of ponds. This makes the garden appealing both to botanical enthusiasts and to art lovers.
Landscape design and atmosphere
The garden is arranged as a sequence of small themed spaces. Rocky areas, grassy clearings, shaded passages, water features and exotic plants create a varied landscape. Rather than displaying every collection in rigid rows, the designers sought to create a natural environment in which different species coexist harmoniously. Small paths reveal new perspectives, while changes in elevation form miniature ravines.
The setting invites visitors to slow down. They can rest in a quiet corner, examine unusual plants or watch sunlight change the colour of the leaves. The garden is at once a botanical collection, an artistic project and a place for peaceful contemplation.
The garden through the seasons
Spring brings fresh foliage and flowering plants. In summer, dense greenery creates shade, while aquatic plants and pond reflections lend a sense of coolness. In autumn, foliage changes colour and some plants take on new decorative qualities. The flowering periods of individual species depend on the weather and growing conditions.
Gardone Riviera and Lake Garda
The garden is located in Gardone Riviera, a small resort town on the western shore of Lake Garda. The region is known for its mild climate, scenic waterfront, historic villas and gardens. A visit can easily be combined with a walk through the town, time by the lake or visits to other cultural and historical attractions in Lombardy.
Visitor information
The garden is located at Via Roma 2 in Gardone Riviera. It is generally open from March through October. For the 2026 season, published opening hours are daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., with winter closure scheduled from 1 November 2026 to 1 March 2027. Check the official website before travelling for the latest information.
Steps and narrow paths make the garden unsuitable for full access by wheelchair users and visitors with strollers. Well-behaved dogs are permitted on a leash and with a muzzle. Public parking is available nearby, and Gardone Riviera can also be reached by bus or boat from other towns around Lake Garda.
Why visit the André Heller Garden
The André Heller Garden is a place where botany becomes an artistic experience. Plants from around the world, Japanese-inspired landscapes, ponds, rocky settings and works by celebrated artists form an unusual ensemble. It is an appealing destination for anyone interested in nature, landscape design, contemporary sculpture and distinctive gardens. A visit can be combined with time on Lake Garda and exploration of Lombardy's historic towns.
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