Starry Night Park in Bosnia Herzegovina
The Starry Night Park, located near Visoko in Bosnia and Herzegovina, is an ambitious project that aims to recreate Vincent van Gogh’s iconic painting “The Starry Night” in a three-dimensional landscape. This unique park is the brainchild of Halim Zukic, a businessman who initially purchased the land with the intention of developing a retreat space. The idea to transform the land into a living homage to van Gogh’s masterpiece emerged in 2018 when Zukic noticed tractor marks in a meadow that resembled the swirling patterns of the painting.
Project Development
Zukic began by expanding his property and assembling a team of approximately two dozen gardeners. Over several years, they meticulously sculpted the landscape to reflect the features of “The Starry Night.” The park spans 25 acres and is part of a larger 172-acre retreat center designed to celebrate central Bosnia’s cultural heritage. The construction involved planting thousands of trees and shrubs, creating winding pathways, and transforming streams into lakes. A significant feature of the park includes 130,000 lavender bushes planted in six different shades to mimic the vibrant colors seen in van Gogh’s work.
Artistic Inspiration and Execution
The design process was heavily influenced by van Gogh’s emotional representation of nature. Zukic aimed to capture not only the visual elements but also the essence of van Gogh’s artistic language. He stated that “having money is not enough; you need time for a park,” emphasizing that patience was crucial for allowing plants to mature and achieve their intended vibrancy.
The park is scheduled to open in May 2025, with plans for it to serve as both an artistic attraction and a cultural hub where visitors can engage with Bosnia’s heritage through art programming.
Cultural Significance
Zukic views this project as more than just an artistic endeavor; he believes it serves as a tribute to van Gogh, stating that “Vincent van Gogh belongs to us too.” By creating this park, he hopes to foster appreciation for both art and nature while providing an immersive experience that allows visitors to step into one of history’s most celebrated paintings.
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