Straubing - A collection of controversial garden gnomes, whose right arms are raised in a Hitler salute, went on display in the Bavarian town of Straubing on Wednesday.

A similar art exhibition of the so-called 'Hitler gnomes', designed by German artist Ottmar Hoerl, was investigated by prosecutors after raising objection at a Nuremberg art gallery earlier in the year.

The latest display, entitled "poison," consists of 1,250 saluting gnomes, arranged in rank and file to warn of the manipulation of the masses inherent in fascist ideology.

The art installation, due to be officially inaugurated on Thursday, has already been the subject of heated debate in the small town of Straubing. (dpa)