Since learning about her sculpture garden in Escondido, California, I have been wanting to visit this Niki de Saint Phalle installation. Although it is free to enter, the hours are limited. It’s open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon, and the second and fourth Saturdays of the month from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
I happened to be nearby on the recent second Saturday, a sunny day.
In her final years living in San Diego, Niki de Saint Phalle became enamored of the story of the black warrior queen who ruled the mythical island of California (also spelled Calafia). The queen sits in the center of the circle astride a five-legged eagle (egg underneath) surrounded by eight totems covered in symbolic mosaics of drawn from Native American, Pre-Columbian, and Mexican art in addition to the artist’s own imagery.
The outside walls are topped by undulating snakes.
As much as I love her angel in the Zürich main train station, this might be my favorite installation of hers.
Glamping in Switzerland 
Wow that is so beautiful! I didn’t know about this garden – lovely to see your pics!
Robin, you would love this garden!