Niki de saint phalle sculptures escondido

The garden's outside diameter measures 120 feet and is encircled by an undulating wall topped by slithering serpents. The Snake Wall has one entrance — a maze-like passageway of black, white and mirrored tiles. This gateway "announces that you are crossing a threshold into a new magical world — the world of your past, your roots, your land, your unconscious dreams," said Marcelo Zitelli, the artist's curator and longtime assistant.

Inside the circle, totemic sculptures range in height from 11 to 21 feet and depict deities, monsters, animals, humans and geometric shapes. Saint Phalle drew on regional history and culture, supplementing it with her fertile imagination.

At the center is the legendary black Amazon queen, Califia, who was believed to rule a terrestrial island paradise. The imposing mosaic is an archetype of power and strength, clad in shining gold armor and reaching 24 feet into the sky. She holds a small bird aloft while standing astride a massive eagle. Underneath is a small domed "temple" decorated with cosmic symbols and ceramic plaques that were originally designed for Saint Phalle’s lifework, The Tarot Garden in Italy. A golden, egg-shaped fountain occupies the middle of the space, a reference to Califia's magical reign over the oceans and Saint Phalle’s frequent themes of birth, death and transformation. The Niki de Saint Phalle Tarot Garden is iconic and a sight to see.

The interplay of light and reflection creates a visual tapestry, continually transforming the garden, but it’s a tactile delight as well. Saint Phalle chose dozens of varieties of glass in differing shapes, hues and translucency, along with polished and tumbled stones such as travertine, agate, quartz and turquoise. Although it was designed to be touched, years of enthusiastic hands have taken a toll and portions of the garden are undergoing restoration.

Saint Phalle passed away on May 21, 2002, at the age of 71

Queen Califia Magical Circle is a fun art installation in North San Diego County created by French-American sculptor Niki de Saint Phalle. It is only open to the public two days a week for limited hours. It is a fantastic spot to explore, and the only American sculpture garden from the artist. Here is all the information so you can check it out with your family.

Details

• Tues and Thurs from 9 AM to Noon and also the 2nd Saturday of the month
• Great for the whole family
• Location: Kit Carson Park, 3333 Bear Valley Parkway, Escondido, CA 92025
• This information is from 2018

Getting There

From the 15 Freeway, you will get off on Via Rancho Parkway and head east. The road bends around till you get to Mary Lane, where you will turn left. From there, you can follow the signs through the park to where Queen Califia’s Magical Circle is located.

After parking, you will walk about a tenth of a mile to the large circular art piece surrounded by a large gate. If you go when it’s closed you cannot see much, other then some sculptures peaking up above the entrance.

The Sculptures

When it’s open, the gate will be open, and you can explore the installation as much as you would like.

The entrance is where the two giant snakes greet you, which the sculptor said were “inspired by California’s mythic and cultural roots.”

Inside there is a small maze you will walk through lined with mirror and tiles to make your way into the center.

The center is where most of the half dozen or so sculptures reside.

These sculptures are full of color and fun to check out. Each is very intricate, with lots going on.

I saw many families with their children in awe while they explored here.

I felt like a kid myself walking through the maze and looking at all the mythical creatures.

After you are finished exploring, you can head out the main entrance and back to your car.

Queen Califia Magical Circle is a fantastic spot that