Borges Labyrinth

Composed of box hedges which, arranged in a precise shape, reproduce the name "Borges"

Il “Borges Labyrinth” it is an installation dedicated to the famous Argentine writer Jorge Luis Borges¹, located on theIsland of San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice. Inaugurated in 2011 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the writer's death, the labyrinth was designed by the English architect Randol Coate².

This labyrinth is composed of box hedges (3250 plants) which, arranged in a precise shape, reproduce the name "Borges" and numerous symbols associated with his work, such as books, sticks, and hourglasses. The labyrinth is inspired by the story "The garden of the forking paths“, one of Borges’s most famous works, in which the themes of time, infinity, and the complexity of life’s paths are intertwined.

Il bosso (Buxus sempervirens), is an evergreen plant widely used in labyrinths due to its hardiness, longevity, and ability to maintain a compact, well-defined shape with pruning. Box hedges allow for the creation of intricate, clearly defined paths, which, in the case of the labyrinth dedicated to Borges, reproduce symbols and letters inspired by the work and life of the great Argentine writer.

The location of the labyrinth, on the island which also hosts the Giorgio Cini Foundation³, helps to create a contemplative and intellectual atmosphere, a perfect homage to the thought and writing of Borges, who often dealt with themes related to mystery, enigma and the complexity of the universe.

If you are planning to visit Venice and you are an admirer of Borges, this installation could be a suggestive and fascinating stop!

1. Jorge Luis Borges (1899-1986) was one of the most influential and celebrated writers of the 20th century, best known for his short stories, essays, and poems exploring themes such as infinity, time, identity, the labyrinth, and the universe as an enigma. Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Borges is considered a central figure in Latin American and world literature.

2. Randol Coate (1909-2005) was a British diplomat and world-renowned labyrinth designer. After serving in the British diplomatic service, he devoted himself full-time to the art of the labyrinth, creating works that combine elements of design, symbolism, and philosophy. Coate is best known for his intricate labyrinths that incorporate hidden meanings and cultural, literary, and mythological references.
His most famous collaboration was with Adrian Fisher, one of the most prolific contemporary maze designers. Together, Coate and Fisher have created a number of unique mazes around the world, including the celebrated “Borges Labyrinth” on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice, designed in honor of the great Argentine writer Jorge Luis Borges.

Coate's work is characterized by the use of hidden symbols and shapes that tell a story or pay homage to historical figures or literary figures. His labyrinths are often seen as an intellectual and meditative experience, rather than simply an exercise in orientation.
In addition to the “Borges Labyrinth,” Coate has designed numerous other labyrinths around the world, some of which include references to particular historical figures, artists, or cultural themes.

3. The Giorgio Cini Foundation It is an important cultural institution based on theIsland of San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice. Founded in 1951 by Count Victor Cini in memory of the son George Cini, who tragically died in a plane crash in 1949, the foundation aims to promote culture and redevelop the island's artistic and architectural heritage.

In addition to hosting the Borges Labyrinth, the foundation is a nerve centre for Venetian culture, a meeting place between tradition and innovation, where scholars, artists and intellectuals discuss the great themes of contemporary culture.