Discover the Enchanting Tarot Garden: An Interactive Art Exhibit in Tuscany

The Visionary Artist: Niki de Saint Phalle

Niki de Saint Phalle was a French-American artist renowned for her vibrant and daring works, blending sculpture, painting, and architecture. Born on October 29, 1930, in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France, she defied traditional roles and created art that was both provocative and transformative. Saint Phalle’s journey into art began as a form of self-healing, channeling her struggles and traumas into creative expression.

She once said, “Art has been a way of life for me, and it has allowed me to grow, to free myself, and to love more. It has been my psychologist, my lover, my priest, and my comforter.”

Saint Phalle’s artistic statements often revolved around themes of femininity, mythology, and spirituality. Her works are celebrated for their bold colors, dynamic forms, and profound symbolic meanings.

The History of the Tarot Garden

Located in the picturesque region of Tuscany, Italy, the Tarot Garden, or Giardino dei Tarocchi, is Niki de Saint Phalle’s most ambitious project and arguably her life's work. Inspired by Antoni Gaudí’s Park Güell in Barcelona and the gardens of Bomarzo, Saint Phalle envisioned a fantastical world where the archetypes of the Tarot could come to life. Construction began in the late 1970s and continued for over two decades, with the garden officially opening to the public in 1998.

Saint Phalle poured her heart, soul, and finances into the garden, collaborating with a team of skilled artisans and her husband, the artist Jean Tinguely. She completely self-financed the project so that she could maintain creative control and have it be a full reflection of herself. The result is a mesmerizing landscape of towering sculptures covered with mirrored mosaics, each representing a card from the Major Arcana of the Tarot.

Tarot Archetypes Brought to Life

The Tarot Garden is more than a collection of sculptures; it is an interactive art exhibit that immerses visitors in the mystical world of the Tarot. Each structure is a vibrant, larger-than-life representation of a Tarot card, meticulously designed to embody its symbolic essence.

For example, the High Priestess is depicted as a serene, towering figure, symbolizing wisdom, intuition, and the unconscious mind. Visitors can walk through the figure, experiencing the calm and introspective energy that this archetype represents.

The High Priestess: Exterior & Interior

The Empress, another key figure in the Tarot, is portrayed as a nurturing, golden sculpture, exuding abundance, creativity, and fertility. The use of gold in this sculpture ties beautifully with the themes of wealth and prosperity found in both Tarot and astrology.

The Empress

There are sculptures for nearly all 22 major arcana in the tarot.

Niki de Saint Phalle’s House in the Tarot Garden

Behind the sculpture of the Empress is Saint Phalle's magical house - with a fully-functioning kitchen and bathroom. Her house within the Tarot Garden became a hub for gatherings that blended art, mysticism, and community. These events were more than mere social occasions—they were immersive experiences that reflected her creative spirit and her belief in the transformative power of art.

The parties at Saint Phalle’s house were filled with artists, intellectuals, and creatives from around the world. Guests were invited to explore the garden’s sculptures, participate in performances, and engage in deep conversations about art and life. These gatherings often included elements of the Tarot, with readings and discussions that connected the guests to the archetypal energies represented in the garden.

Niki de Saint Phalle believed that art should be a shared experience, one that fosters connection and community. She once said, “I wanted the garden to be a place where people could come together, to experience beauty and magic, to be inspired and transformed.”

These parties were an extension of that vision, creating a space where the boundaries between art and life blurred, and where every guest became a part of the living artwork.

Connections to Astrology and Sigils

The archetypes represented in the Tarot Garden are deeply connected to those found in astrology and sigils. Each Tarot card embodies universal themes and energies that are also present in astrological signs and houses. For instance, the Magician card, symbolizing action, power, and manifestation, parallels the energy of Aries, the initiator of the zodiac .

Similarly, sigils—symbols created to represent specific intentions or magical goals—can be seen as visual representations of the same archetypal energies depicted in the Tarot. Just as each Tarot card holds a unique energy, so does each sigil crafted for personal or collective use.

Saint Phalle’s vision for the Tarot Garden was not just to create a visual spectacle but to offer a space for personal transformation and exploration. She believed in the power of art to heal and inspire. In her words, “The Tarot Garden is a place where man and nature meet in a mystical embrace, where the symbols of the Tarot come to life and interact with the visitor” .

Her sculptures are designed to be touched, walked through, and experienced, making the garden a truly interactive art exhibit. This approach aligns with the idea that art is not just to be observed but lived and felt.

Similarly at essinbee, not only do our jewelry collections draw inspiration from similar archetypes and symbols that Niki de Saint Phalle celebrated in her work, but each piece is designed to capture the essence of these universal energies, creating wearable art that empowers and transforms.

SNB at the Tarot Garden wearing a sneak peek of our newest design

Visit the Tarot Garden

Visiting the Tarot Garden is a journey into a world where art, mysticism, and nature intertwine. It is a place to explore the depths of the Tarot, connect with archetypal energies, and experience the transformative power of interactive art.

Whether you are an art enthusiast, a spiritual seeker, or someone who appreciates the beauty of symbols and sculpture, the Tarot Garden offers a unique and enchanting experience. And as you wander through this magical landscape, let the energy of the Tarot inspire you to embrace your inner magic and co-create a world of limitless possibilities.

The Chariot

The Star & The Moon

Death

The Hierophant & The Hanged Man

By connecting the timeless symbols of the Tarot with the universal archetypes found in astrology and sigils, we at essinbee continue the legacy of Niki de Saint Phalle, offering jewelry that is not just beautiful but deeply meaningful. Discover our collections and find the pieces that resonate with your journey.

For more information on Niki de Saint Phalle and the Tarot Garden, visit the official Tarot Garden website.

Our Companion playlist for The Tarot Garden

Transport yourself to warm summer nights in Tuscany with these vintage Italian tunes - inspired by our trip to the Tarot Garden in coastal Italy here.