Bruno’s Hinterland Oasis in Melbourne

This positively charming art and sculpture oasis created by South American artist Bruno Torfs is in Marysville, 95k from Melbourne. The Garden is open to the public every day from 10am - 5pm and the Gallery on weekends. I have never been but next time I am in Melbourne I will make an effort to visit this beautiful place.

Bruno with one of his sculptures Bruno Sculpture

After training and working as a sign writer, Bruno made a gradual transition to become a fulltime artist. This was achieved through many trips around the world, both alone and with his wife Marleen.

Sketching the scenes and faces of his journeys allowed Bruno to return home and make oil painting and sculpture versions of his experiences. These artworks would then be sold in a series of annual exhibitions hosted in the lower levels of the family home. After several years of this lifestyle, Bruno and the family made a decision to pack up and move to Australia to create a sculpture garden that he would run as a permanent attraction.

Bruno Entranceway Bruno Sculpture I

The family arrived in Melbourne and shortly after had found the perfect place in the small Victorian village of Marysville. The luscious sub-alpine forests of the surrounding area were the ideal setting for Bruno’s plan and luckily the property he purchased had a large section of rain forest attached. After five months of backbreaking work, Bruno’s art and sculpture garden was opened to the public.

Bruno Sketch Bruno Sculpture VII

Also on the property was a gallery that housed over 200 of his artworks brought over from Europe that included oil paintings, sketches and smaller sculptures. The garden began with just fifteen life sizes terracotta sculptures, today there are over one hundred and fifteen pieces on display and Bruno is still making regular additions. The unique experience of the garden and its wondrous inhabitants attracts thousands of visitors a year. Bruno and the family still live there and always take great pleasure in being able to share their magnificent art treasure with all that come.

Bruno Sculpture VIII Bruno Sculpture III

Bruno’s Art & Sculpture Garden Website

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