ANIMA Gardens
Part of the magic of Marrakesh, for me, was the constant feeling that I was tumbling down a rabbit hole, like Alice in Wonderland. The contrast between desert landscapes and snow-capped mountains, and the tiny doors hidden in the medina that, when opened, revealed secret gardens and unexpected art, made the city feel endlessly mysterious.
High on that list of discoveries was the ANIMA Gardens – a place that feels almost surreal. Walking through it, you could easily believe you had stepped into some dreamlike, slightly psychedelic world. The setting is strange, whimsical, and utterly beautiful, where art, colour, and nature combine in ways that feel both improbable and magical.
ANIMA Garden, located about 30 km from Marrakech in the Ourika Valley, is a magical landscape of sensuality, wonder, contemplation, and inspiration. Created by Austrian multimedia artist André Heller, this extraordinary botanical art garden blends nature, sculpture, and imagination into a unique sensory experience.
Opened to the public in 2016 after years of development, the garden covers more than two hectares of lush, carefully designed terrain. What was once an empty desert plot has been transformed into a richly planted oasis filled with hundreds of plant species – from bamboo, palms, and cacti to tropical trees and vibrant flowers. Shaded pathways wind through dense greenery, fragrant blooms, and quiet pavilions, inviting visitors to wander at their own pace.
Along these paths, monumental sculptures and artworks emerge unexpectedly from the landscape. Pieces by renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso, Keith Haring, Alexander Calder, and Auguste Rodin appear alongside creations by local artists and Heller himself.
Surreal paintings, giant sculpted heads, animal figures, and whimsical installations create a playful dialogue between art and nature. Notably, the artworks are intentionally left without labels, encouraging visitors to experience them freely and interpret them in their own way. That said, I could not help but identify three ceramic ‘plates’ created by Picasso!
The garden’s design invites exploration rather than direction. Upon entering, visitors are welcomed by carved wooden figures before paths branch in multiple directions, allowing each person to follow their own curiosity. Around every corner, artistic surprises and botanical wonders appear, creating a sense of discovery throughout the garden.
Beyond its artistic richness, ANIMA also offers breathtaking views of the Atlas Mountains, including the often-snow-capped peak of Jbel Toubkal, which rises to 4,167 meters. Despite being only a short distance from the bustle of Marrakech, the garden feels peaceful and secluded.
Two small museum spaces showcase rotating exhibitions by artists from around the world, further enriching the cultural experience. Visitors can also relax at the Café Paul Bowles, which serves refined Moroccan and international cuisine prepared with herbs, saffron, olives, and other ingredients grown in the garden itself.
For those unfamiliar with André Heller, he is a celebrated Austrian creative figure known across German-speaking countries. Born in Vienna, he has built a multifaceted career as an artist, author, singer, songwriter, and performer.
His vision and creativity are evident throughout ANIMA Garden, a project that reflects both his love of art and his long relationship with Morocco. Heller first visited the country in 1972 and has returned regularly since, finding inspiration for many of his artistic projects.
Today, ANIMA stands as a living work of art – an enchanting meeting place of landscape, creativity, and imagination.
Jacqui Ikin & The Cross Country Team
