From Rodin to the underwater sculpture forest: 10 best sculpture parks and open-air galleries in Europe

Europe is rich in cultural and artistic masterpieces. Moreover, many of them go beyond traditional museums.

Sculpture parks and open-air galleries allow you to enjoy works of art in combination with nature. The Guardian shared a selection of the best of them.

Vigeland Sculpture Park, Oslo, Norway

Located in the heart of Oslo, Vigeland Sculpture Park is home to more than 200 works by Gustav Vigeland, made of granite, bronze and wrought iron. Visitors can enjoy the huge Monolith as well as other avant-garde installations.

The park is open daily and is an ideal place for a picnic. For those looking for additional experiences, the Vigeland Museum is nearby.

Fondation Maeght, Maritime Alps, France

This renowned art institution in France has works by prominent sculptors such as Georges Braque, Alberto Giacometti, and Joan Miró. The sun-drenched gardens feature their works alongside those of Alexander Calder and Marc Chagall.

The exhibitions at Fondation Maeght are regularly updated, so every visit offers something new.

East Side Gallery, Berlin, Germany

The longest surviving part of the Berlin Wall has been transformed into an open-air gallery. More than 100 paintings cover its brickwork, including Dmitry Vrubel's "Brotherly Kiss" and Birgit Kinder's "Trabant".

This gallery combines history and art to create a powerful and atmospheric space.

Kreller-Müller Museum, Arnhem, the Netherlands

This museum is famous for its huge sculpture garden, which houses more than 160 works, including masterpieces by Auguste Rodin and Henry Moore.

The Kreller-Müller Museum offers a family vacation with many activities for children. If the weather is not conducive to walks, there is a collection of works by Vincent van Gogh in an indoor pavilion.

Underwater Sculpture Museum, Ayia Napa, Cyprus

This underwater sculpture forest by Jason de Cayres Taylor is one of the most unique art spaces in the Mediterranean. More than 90 works of art imitating trees, plants and other figures are located underwater at a depth of up to eight meters.

Visitors can dive with a mask, snorkel for an unforgettable experience.

Austrian Sculpture Park, Graz, Austria

Not far from Graz is this large garden where you can see more than 80 works by Austrian and international artists.

The park is free to visit, making it an ideal place for family walks and picnics. Among the most interesting works is the Fat House by Erwin Wurm.

Chateau La Coste, Provence, France

This art space, located among the Provencal vineyards, combines 40 works of art and architectural installations.

Among the most prominent are Andy Goldsworthy's Oak Room and Louise Bourgeois's giant spider.

Villa Celle, Pistoia, Italy

One of the world's largest collections of environmental art is located in a Romantic-era park.

More than 80 monumental works, including wooden installations and intricate abstract forms, embody the skills of Italian and international sculptors.

Sandretto Re Rebaudengo Art Park, Piedmont, Italy

Located among the Piedmontese hills, this park brings together the works of seven artists using a variety of materials, from fallen cypress trees to reclaimed garbage.

The park offers visitors an exceptional walk among the vineyards that will allow them to fully enjoy art.

Middelheim Museum, Antwerp, Belgium

One of the oldest open-air museums in Europe, the Middelheim is located in a beautiful park with more than 100 sculptures.

Visitors can enjoy nature, relax in a cafe and explore the unique exhibits scattered throughout the park.

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