Arts

Adelaide to host glass artist Dale Chihuly’s first Southern Hemisphere outdoor exhibition

By Katelin Rice

Posted on December 2, 2023

The Adelaide Botanic Garden is set to host contemporary glass artist Dale Chihuly’s Garden Cycle exhibition next year.

Image: Dale Chihuly, Ethereal Spring Persians, 2022, © 2022 Chihuly Studio. All rights reserved.
Photographer: Nathaniel Willson

The Adelaide Botanic Garden is set to become a radiant canvas for the world’s most celebrated contemporary glass artist, Dale Chihuly, as he prepares to unveil his first major outdoor exhibition in Australia and the southern hemisphere.

The announcement of this exclusive event has sent ripples of excitement through the art world, as Chihuly’s masterpieces, known for pushing the boundaries of glass art, will grace the serene landscapes of the Adelaide Botanic Garden from September 27, 2024, until April 29, 2025.

*Dale Chihuly*
*Polyvitro Chandelier, 2006*
*© 2006 Chihuly Studio. All rights reserved.*
*Photographer: Scott Mitchell Leen*

“I am thrilled that Adelaide had succeeded in securing Chihuly’s Gardens Cycle exhibition,” Michael Harvey, Director Adelaide Botanic Garden says.

“It will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience an extensive collection of Chihuly’s monumental works in the beautiful setting of a botanic garden.”

Dale Chihuly’s name is synonymous with innovation and brilliance in the realm of glass art. With 12 honorary doctorates and two fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts under his belt, Chihuly has played a pivotal role in transforming glass from a craft into a fine art form. His intricate and larger-than-life glass sculptures have captivated audiences worldwide, and his artistic contributions have inspired generations of artists, making him a luminary in the art world.

The Adelaide exhibition is part of Chihuly’s “Garden Cycle,” a series of exhibitions that debuted in 2001 and have been showcased in some of the world’s most iconic conservatories and gardens. Adelaide will mark only the third international city, following London’s Kew Gardens and Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay, to host this prestigious cycle. Chihuly’s work was last featured in Adelaide in 2000, leaving an indelible mark on both JamFactory and the Adelaide Botanic Garden.

“This is a coup for South Australia and the Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium, and the project will act as an important driver of national and international cultural tourism to our state and showcase our Botanic Gardens to new and returning visitors,” Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison, says.

“South Australians love to watch the seasons pass in the botanical gardens. The exhibition will show through Spring, Summer and Autumn allowing visitors to experience the sculptures against the backdrop of blossom, sunshine and the changing autumn leaves.

“The timing of this Australian first exclusive exhibition in our very own Adelaide Botanic Gardens will cross over three school holiday periods as well as several other major events that our city is well known for giving visitors a reason to stay in Adelaide a little longer and immerse themselves in art and nature.”

Founded in 1857, the Adelaide Botanic Garden stands as one of the world’s oldest and most esteemed botanic gardens. Its extensive collection of over 2,500 plant species from across the globe is a testament to its commitment to preserving biodiversity.

The garden is divided into distinct sections, each offering a unique experience. The Bicentennial Conservatory, home to lush tropical plants, stands alongside the beautifully restored 1877-built Palm House, the enchanting First Creek Wetland, and the captivating Amazon Waterlily Pavilion.

The Adelaide Botanic Garden is not only a sanctuary for plant enthusiasts but also a cultural hub, hosting a myriad of events throughout the year. From concerts to festivals and art exhibitions, it provides a diverse range of experiences for both locals and tourists.

The best part? Throughout the exhibition season, entry to the Adelaide Botanic Garden will remain free for all visitors, offering a remarkable opportunity for art and nature lovers alike to immerse themselves in Chihuly’s mesmerising creations.

Chihuly’s exhibition promises to transform the Adelaide Botanic Garden into an otherworldly landscape of glass art. Visitors will be able to follow an art trail that winds through the garden, creating a seamless fusion of art and nature right on the edge of Adelaide’s CBD.

Chihuly’s “Garden Cycle”
Where: Adelaide Botanic Garden
When: September 27, 2024, until April 29, 2025