OT Staff
Nek Chand started the Rock Garden in 1957, using industrial and domestic waste like broken tiles, glass, ceramics, and bangles to create sculptures. Over 2,000 sculptures now exist in the park.
The Rock Garden covers 40 acres, making it one of India's largest open-air sculpture parks. It has interconnected courtyards, waterfalls, amphitheatres, and labyrinthine pathways filled with mosaic sculptures.
Chand secretly built the Rock Garden on government land. Authorities discovered it in 1972 and considered demolishing it, but public support led to its official recognition in 1976.
The Rock Garden attracts over 5,000 visitors daily, making it one of Chandigarh’s top tourist destinations. It has hosted global artists and dignitaries, including foreign diplomats and cultural experts.
Many sculptures depict village life, animals, and dancers in traditional postures. Chand drew inspiration from rural India, showcasing indigenous themes through his art using discarded materials.
After Nek Chand’s death in 2015, the Nek Chand Foundation and Chandigarh administration took over management. Concerns persist about maintenance, vandalism, and commercialisation affecting the garden’s integrity.
In February 2025, part of the Rock Garden’s outer wall was demolished for road widening and a car park. Protests erupted over concerns about heritage loss and tree felling.
The Rock Garden has received global recognition, with Nek Chand’s work displayed in museums in the UK, France, and the USA. UNESCO has acknowledged its unique contribution to folk art.
Artificial waterfalls integrated into the landscape enhance the park’s aesthetics. Water bodies and pathways create a surreal experience, making the Rock Garden a blend of art and natural elements.
The Rock Garden is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm. Entry costs INR 30 for adults and INR 10 for children. It remains closed on public holidays.