© Stefan Liewehr · avec l'aimable autorisation d'Anima Garden Jardin Anima
A garden thought of as a work of art: bright sculptures rise between giant cacti and palms, the Atlas beyond. You come for the art as much as the plants, and for a half-day out of the city.
History & context
Jardin Anima is the work of André Heller, the Austrian artist known for his gardens, his shows and his installations. He opened it in 2016, on the Ourika road, at the foot of the Atlas.
Here, botanical garden and art are one and the same. Between candelabra cacti, palms, bamboos and olive trees, sculptures in bold colours rise up - monumental heads, painted totems, abstract forms - turning the walk into a run of works. An exhibition space and the Paul Bowles Moroccan café round out the visit.
It is more a day out of town than a garden visit: a half-day in the green, at the foot of the mountains, about thirty kilometres from the bustle of Marrakech.
A garden where you come to look at sculptures, and sculptures that send you back to the garden.
What to see - the highlights
André Heller's sculptures
Heads and totems painted in bold colours, set among the plants: the garden reads as a sequence of works.
The cactus garden
Candelabra cacti, agaves and giant euphorbias along red-earth paths, under the palms.
Paul Bowles Moroccan café
A boldly striped pavilion by a pool: juices, teas and pastries, with produce from the garden.
The Atlas view
Beyond the palms and the bougainvillea, the line of mountains, often snow-capped in winter.
When to go
Soft light on the colours, cool paths and quiet before the tour groups arrive.
Harsh light and heat in the open: shade is patchy in places.
The snow-capped Atlas as a backdrop and bougainvillea in flower.
Gallery
The best photo spots
The garden is a playground for photography: saturated colours and sculptures at every turn.
Colour against the sky
The large painted heads stand out on the blue of the sky or on the green.
Candelabras backlit
The cacti carve out silhouettes late in the day.
Stripes and the pool
The coloured pavilion mirrored in the water when it is still.
Le jardin Anima
André Heller's art garden, half an hour from Marrakech: giant cacti, colourful sculptures and the Atlas as a backdrop.
Ticket, shuttle & day trips
Book ahead - useful during peak hours, when the queue can top thirty minutes.
Jardin Anima: ticket + transfer
Ourika valley, waterfalls & Jardin Anima
Jardin Anima & Imlil valley
Booking via GetYourGuide, our ticket partner. Indicative prices ; we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Visitor tips
Book the free shuttle in advance and go in the morning: you get the garden cool and time for a tea at the café before heading back.
Coming at the hot hours without water or a hat (the garden is in full sun in places), or relying on an easy taxi back: arrange the return ahead of time.
- Free shuttle from the Koutoubia car park (behind the mosque), two return trips a day, book on the official site: places are limited.
- Hours are sometimes shorter in winter and during Ramadan, and closed for Eid al-Adha: check before you go.
- By taxi or car, reckon on about 40 minutes from the centre; the entrance is on the Ourika road, at Douar Sbiti.
Location & access
27 km south of Marrakech, on the Ourika road, at the foot of the Atlas. Reckon on about 40 minutes by car, or take the free shuttle from the Koutoubia.
