Special Exhibition: The art of perfect order – The Baroque garden

In the new special exhibition at Schloss Hof Estate, the world of Baroque garden art unfolds as an impressive interplay of nature, art, and technology. What at first glance appears to be a harmonious garden layout is, in fact, a precisely staged total work of art, shaped by order, aesthetics, symmetry, and botany.

A Play with Nature

Thousands of plants are arranged into living ornaments, flowers form vibrant carpets of color, and trees and shrubs are trimmed into geometric or imaginative shapes. Straight avenues and hidden garden spaces create an interplay of light and shadow. Nature is not left to chance but is deliberately shaped and symbolically charged. Every detail follows a clear design concept. Even kitchen gardens adhered to strict design principles, as fruit, vegetables, and herbs were cultivated in carefully structured plots.

Technology that Inspires

A special focus is placed on the technical innovations of the time. Elaborately constructed water systems—such as fountains, cascades, and reflective basins—introduce movement into the strict geometry. Sophisticated piping systems, reservoirs, and pumping mechanisms made “dancing water” possible in the first place. Water became not only an experience but also a visible status symbol and an expression of technical mastery.

The People Behind the Garden

In addition to the essential design principles, the exhibition also highlights the key protagonists of a Baroque garden. From the imperial court and the nobility as patrons, to architects and artists, and finally to the many garden workers who maintained and cared for the grounds.

A Baroque Experience

The special exhibition extends across large parts of the site and invites visitors to experience the Baroque garden with all their senses. Room by room, step by step, a multifaceted portrait of Baroque society unfolds, offering new perspectives on a time when nature became art.

New: With three interactive XR experiences—an AR photo wall, a customizable digital souvenir, and a Holobox featuring fascinating holograms, the Baroque garden theme comes to life in a fun new way—and can be shared easily!