A visit to a city’s botanic garden is always a worthwhile experience as they provide a quiet oasis away from the urban streetscapes and showcase all manner of weird and wonderful flora. The Adelaide Botanic Garden is no exception and the garden currently has one extra (and totally amazing) reason to visit, as it’s hosting a unique exhibition.
Dotted around the sprawling 51-hectare garden are works by the world’s most celebrated contemporary glass artist, Dale Chihuly. This is the first time his work has been displayed in Australia and his Garden Cycle exhibition is being shown exclusively in Adelaide.
Born in the US, Dale Chihuly has been working in glass for more than half a century and his work has been exhibited in countless international museums, galleries and public spaces. This current exhibition was inspired by his mother’s love of gardens.
The massive architectural glass installations combine art and nature with truly stunning results. The exhibition includes 15 vibrantly coloured, large-scale sculptures that will make you marvel at their complexity and creativity. Some of the works are in wide open spaces or floating on water, while others are hanging from branches or tucked under clusters of trees.
To make sure you don’t miss any of the sculptures you can pick up a free garden map and artwork guide at the Botanic Garden’s North Terrace entrance.
It’s free to visit the garden and view the exhibition during daylight hours, but if you want to add something a little extra to your Chihuly glassworks experience you can book a ticket for a night-time viewing when they are dramatically illuminated. Night visits are only available from Thursday to Saturday and you will need a ticket. Ticket prices range from $20 to $25. You can book online via the garden’s website.
But whether you’re visiting during the day or evening make sure you allow at least two hours to explore the exhibition. Better still, make a day of it and enjoy lunch under the trees. You can bring a picnic or treat yourself to a meal from one of the Botanic Garden’s three food venues. My tip here is to book well in advance if choosing either of the two fancy restaurant options; if you want something cheaper and more casual then stop by the garden’s Evergreen Deli before the lunch time rush.
Adelaide’s ‘Chihuly in the Botanic Garden’ exhibition is on until April 29, 2025 and you can find a range of information and book your night-time tickets by visiting www.botanicgardens.sa website.
