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Eight spectacular reasons you can’t miss Chihuly’s Adelaide Botanic Garden exhibition

Explore the enchanting world of Dale Chihuly at the Adelaide Botanic Garden, where his vibrant glass sculptures create a magical interplay with nature.

Photo credit: Nathaniel Willson

Dale Chihuly, the internationally renowned glass artist, is bringing his mesmerising creations to Adelaide for a one-of-a-kind outdoor exhibition. Prepare to be captivated by vibrant colours, intricate forms, and the sheer audacity of Chihuly’s glass sculptures as they transform the Adelaide Botanic Garden into an enchanting wonderland.

Dale Chihuly, born in 1941, has been a pivotal figure in the studio crafts movement post-World War II. With his works featured in over 200 museum collections globally, Chihuly is considered a visionary in the glass art scene. His sculptures often blend the boundaries between the industrial and the natural worlds, a theme that resonates through his use of materials—transforming silica into breathtaking glass sculptures through intense heat.

Here are seven compelling reasons why you absolutely must experience this extraordinary event.

A First for Australia

This marks the first-ever major Chihuly outdoor exhibition in Australia, and only the third city outside the US to host a Chihuly Gardens Cycle event. Adelaide is stepping onto the global stage of contemporary art, offering a unique cultural experience that’s not to be missed.

Exclusive Adelaide Creations

Chihuly has designed two brand-new artworks specifically for this exhibition, one nestled within the Botanic Garden’s lush landscape and the other gracing the interior of the Bicentennial Conservatory. Witness the birth of these unique pieces, created with Adelaide’s spirit in mind.

A Seven-Month Spectacle

From September 27, 2024, to April 29, 2025, immerse yourself in Chihuly’s world. The extended duration allows ample opportunity to revisit the exhibition, experiencing the interplay of light and colour across different seasons and times of day.

Photo credit: Nathaniel Willson

A Garden Transformed

Fifteen large-scale artworks will be thoughtfully placed along a free 2-kilometre trail, inviting you to meander through the Botanic Garden and discover Chihuly’s creations in harmony with nature. The exhibition has been meticulously curated to complement the unique setting, contrasting between the natural environment and Chihuly’s vibrant glass sculptures. It creates a unique visual narrative, offering an experience exclusive to Adelaide.


Among the notable pieces featured is ‘The Sun’ from 2003 which like many others by Chihuly is defined by its dramatic and striking appearance, showcasing the artist’s ability to manipulate light and colour.

The complexity of the glass-blowing technique Chihuly employs is fascinating. Each piece is unique, shaped by human breath transformed into a sculptural form, solidifying Chihuly’s art as both personal and universal in its appeal. The medium of glass works as a conduit for light, allowing Chihuly’s pieces to come alive within the lush backdrop of the Adelaide Botanic Garden.

Accessibility for All

The Adelaide Botanic Garden, established in 1857, spans 50 hectares, and provides a welcoming space for everyone to enjoy this extraordinary exhibition. Spread over 50 hectares, there’s plenty of room to wander and marvel at Chihuly’s artistry, and with the outdoor exhibition offering free entry, it’s accessible to all.

Photographer: Scott Mitchell Leen

Delve Deeper at the Bicentennial Conservatory

A ticketed exhibition within the leafy surrounds of the rainforest conservatory showcases a collection of smaller Chihuly pieces, alongside personal photographs and videos that chronicle his remarkable life and artistic journey. Curated by the Adelaide Botanic Garden, this exhibition offers a deeper understanding of Chihuly’s creative process and legacy, which aims to provide more thorough insights into Chihuly’s artistic evolution. This is also the venue of a fun competition where children are invited to draw creatures that have adapted to live in Chihuly’s colourful world. Each month, local glass artist Tom Moore will select a winner and create that critter in glass for them to take home at the end of the exhibition. 

Celebrating Australian Glass Art

In conjunction with the Chihuly exhibition, Jam Factory will present a program of workshops and exhibitions
 at their studios, highlighting the exceptional work of local glass artists. This is a wonderful opportunity to support and appreciate the vibrant Australian glass art scene.

Get In-depth Insights

Leslie Chihuly, wife of Dale Chihuly and president and CEO of Chihuly Inc., is expected to visit Adelaide in November. This presents a rare chance to gain insights into the artist’s world from someone intimately connected to his work. Stay tuned for more info around this.

Another Bonus Reason

Just when you thought Chihuly’s exhibition couldn’t get any better, Chihuly Nights will offer attendees the opportunity to explore the Botanic Gardens after dark, and see the artwork lit up in a dramatic night-time display. Tickets to Chihuly Nights includes entry to the In Full Colour Bicentennial Conservatory exhibition. Linger in the heart of the Garden for delicious food and drink, live music on the Schomburgk Pavilion and visit the Chihuly shop by JamFactory, inside the Museum of Economic Botany.

So What Are You Waiting For?

Dale Chihuly’s glass sculptures have redefined the possibilities of glass, pushing the boundaries of colour, form, and scale. Witnessing his work in person is an unforgettable experience, leaving a lasting impression on all who encounter it.

Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience Chihuly’s inspiring artwork. Mark your calendars, gather your loved ones, and prepare to be awestruck by the extraordinary beauty of his glass creations.

WHAT: Chihuly in the Botanic Garden
WHEN:
27 September to 29 April
WHERE: Adelaide Botanic Garden
MORE INFO: https://www.botanicgardens.sa.gov.au/chihuly

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