10 great places to get lost in a labyrinth
Although an ancient art form, labyrinths and mazes continue to find new fans, with modern examples appearing around the world. Pre-dating Christianity, the paths first served worshippers who walked them in mediation and prayer. But others enjoy them for the fun and challenge. “People want the experience of losing their direction and to discover a new path,” says Francesca Tatarella, author of just-published Labyrinths & Mazes (Princeton Architectural Press, $39.95). She shares some favorites with Larry Bleiberg for USA TODAY.
Glass Labyrinth, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Kansas City, Mo.
This unusual triangular maze by locally raised artist Robert Morris quickly became a hit with museum visitors after its installation three years ago. With fully transparent walls, it looks at first like it could be a carnival attraction, but it’s meant to make visitors feel both challenged and exposed. “It’s very elegant,” Tatarella says. nelson-atkins.org
Chartres Labyrinth
Chartres, France
One of Europe’s oldest labyrinths, set in the nave of a grand Gothic cathedral, connects the pagan tradition of a maze with Catholicism. Following the path is both meditative and symbolic. Its 11 circles represent sin, Tatarella says. “For a worshipper to walk the labyrinth to the center is exactly what the human being has to do on earth to gain the afterlife.” The labyrinth usually open for visitors on Fridays, except during late fall and winter. cathedrale-chartres.org
Harmony Labyrinth
New Harmony, Ind.
This one-time utopian community on the Wabash River includes a restored 19th-century hedge maze built by German immigrants. “It was bringing the tradition of the labyrinth of central Europe to the United States,” Tatarella says. visitnewharmony.com
Labyrinth, C-mine art center
Genk, Belgium
This modern, steel maze, completed just last year, enlivens an art center located on the site of a former coal mine. “There’s something very charming about it. It’s a real success with children,” Tatarella says. “There are holes in the structure where they can look around themselves and find another path.” c-mine.be
Sod Maze
Newport, R.I.
Artist Richard Fleischner constructed this earthwork as part of an outdoor sculpture exhibit more than 40 years ago. The spiral path, located on the lawn of Chateau-sur-Mer, a preserved 19th-century mansion, is largely overlooked by visitors now, although it can still be walked. Arriving in the middle, visitors feel centered and connected with the landscape, Tatarella says. “It’s very refined and was made by a very important American artist.” newportmansions.org
Borges Labyrinth
Venice, Italy
While just five years old, this maze garden pays tribute to Argentinian author Jorge Luis Borges, who was inspired by labyrinths and referenced them in his work. “His foundation wanted to make a connection to his literature. It can be walked easily because the hedges are low, but the place is magic. It’s protected,” Tatarella says. cini.it/en/
Wanhua Zhen Maze, Old Summer Palace
Beijing
During her research, Tatarella was surprised to learn that labyrinths are found around the world. This stone maze with a mile of walls was created by an Italian priest, yet has a feeling all its own. “It’s an expression of another culture. The space given to nature is very controlled,” she says. travelchinaguide.com
Hampton Court Maze, Hampton Court Palace
London
England’s oldest surviving hedge maze covers one-third of an acre, and has been confounding palace guests since 1700. “It was really a game, a sort of machine for amusement where you could spend free time in with friends,” Tatarella says. The tall bushes offered privacy, a place for high society visitors to get momentarily lost, to trade court secrets and to meet lovers. hrp.org.uk
Two Way Graham, Walker Art Center
Minneapolis
Made from hedges, steel and glass, this modern labyrinth’s a work of contemporary art by Don Graham, and is set in a sculpture garden. “You don’t get lost in it. It’s very conceptual in a way,” Tatarella says. “You are in open air, but you are trapped and you’re not free to see. You have to find your own path.” walkerart.org
Horta Labyrinth
Barcelona
Popular with residents and visitors in the know, this former private estate now serves as a public park and is considered the city’s oldest garden. With 2,000 feet of hedges, its 18th-century maze leads to a statue of Eros, the Greek god of love. “It’s an unexpected element of the garden, a place to have fun. It’s very enjoyed by the population,” Tatarella says. barcelonaturisme.com