Morocco: Andre Heller's Anima Garden near Marrakech

June 2023

About 45 minutes by car from Marrakech, the Anima Garden – a project by Andre Heller – was built in 2016 at the foot of the Atlas Mountains on the site of a former rose farm.

The ticket – which costs around 12 euros – includes travel by shuttle bus, which starts in Marrakech behind the Koutouba Mosque.

So we head out of the city in a minibus into the Ourika Valley.

Entrance door Anima — Through the entrance gate you enter the garden which is about 3 hectares in size.

Anima Garden — Along winding paths, new impressions open up behind every turn.

Anima Sculpture African Family — Sculptures catch the eye.

Eyes in Bougainvillea Anima Jardin — There is something new to discover everywhere.

Faces Anima Garden — Painted tree trunks flank a path.

Eyes bobbed hair Jardin Anima — We look at nature…and nature looks back…?

Bernd in the Anima Garden — Other artists – such as Pablo Picasso – also contributed to the design with an artistic work.

Water storage mask Anima Garden — The water-spouting mosaic head is the landmark of the Jardin Anima and was designed by Andre Heller himself.

Bernd and Petra in the Anima Garden — A selfie…

Head with bandages Anima Garden — …enjoy with your eyes closed…

Mosaic donkey garden Anima — Mosaic donkey in a suit…

Birdbath Garden Anima — A birdbath with a guest.

Sculpture Thinker Anima Jardin — Sculptures invite us to reflect… what does this attitude express…?

Cafe Jardin Anima — At the end of the tour, a café with exhibition rooms invites you to linger.

Anima Garden Visitor Center — Morocco: The Anima Garden by Andre Heller near Marrakech 19

Conclusion: Was the visit to the Anima Garden worth it?

The shuttle bus allows a stay of 2,5 hours, which is more than enough.

In a relatively small space, every turn in the garden reveals a new perspective, inviting you to linger. Since there weren't many visitors, visitors were mostly alone in the individual sections, allowing them to take in the composition of nature and art in peace. This exclusivity also accounted for much of its fascination.

💬 Comment now