Image: Nathaniel Willson
The Adelaide Botanic Garden’s exclusive, Australian-first exhibition, ‘Chihuly in the Botanic Garden,’ has surpassed one million visitors since its debut in September 2024, massively exceeding initial expectations. You can still make your way to the fascinating exhibition until April 29.
The exhibition, featuring the work of globally celebrated contemporary glass artist Dale Chihuly, was initially set to attract 750,000 visitors—a milestone that was reached by January, just four months into the seven-month showing.
The extraordinary visitor count includes locals, national and international tourists drawn in by the striking glass sculptures. According to ticket and entry data, the exhibition’s appeal has attracted first-time visitors while also encouraging high numbers of repeat visits.
Originally designed to enhance the cultural offerings of the Adelaide Botanic Garden and enrich the visitor experience, the Chihuly exhibition has been a part of South Australia’s busy events calendar. Major events such as LIV Golf Adelaide, Adelaide Fringe, and Adelaide Festival have contributed to the spike in CBD visitations, confirming the exhibition’s status as a major tourism drawcard.
In response to overwhelming demand, a Sunday session was added to the ‘Chihuly Nights’ schedule starting in January, allowing visitors to experience the artworks under dramatic evening lighting. The recent addition of the Botanic Lodge restaurant, providing dining on Friday and Saturday nights, has also been key in attracting more visitors to the exhibition.
The Chihuly exhibition, which includes 15 large-scale sculptures, will continue until April 19th, 2025. It features a free day-time walking trail around the Adelaide Botanic Garden and ticketed visits to the ‘In Full Colour: Dale Chihuly’ exhibit within the Bicentennial Conservatory, plus the special nighttime events.
Surveys show that over 39 per cent of the exhibition’s attendees are from outside Adelaide, with a significant number of visitors travelling from regional South Australia, other states, and abroad. Many visitors have complemented their visit by staying in local hotels, highlighting the tourism benefits associated with the exhibition.
Deputy Premier Susan Close MP shared, “One million visitors have been delighted and inspired by Chihuly in the Botanic Garden.
“Not only are attendees awed by the stunning artwork, they get to be out in nature, simultaneously enjoying the Garden’s extensive collection of plants.
“We know that so many of these visitors will return again to the Gardens, making nature familiar and accessible to all.”
Zoe Bettison MP, Minister for Tourism said, “Chihuly in the Botanic Garden has exceeded all expectations, welcoming an incredible one million people to our stunning Adelaide Botanic Garden.
“What this translates to is more than a million people visiting our CBD, enjoying our bars and restaurants, and putting dollars into the pockets of our local businesses — which is exactly why we invest in Australian first and exclusive events like this Chihuly exhibition.”
Michael Harvey, Director of the Botanic Garden and State Herbarium shared, “We are thrilled to have seen the incredible popularity of Chihuly in the Botanic Garden, not just among Adelaideans, but also with visitors from out of town, interstate and overseas.
“Reaching the milestone of one million visits to the exhibition is certainly an achievement worth celebrating — and it is a testament to the way the South Australian community has embraced the unique combination of world-class art and our beautiful botanic garden.
“With events like Adelaide Fringe, WOMADelaide, and AFL Gather Round drawing more people to this great city, our garden gates are open to welcome even more visitors to enjoy this unique experience. Thank you, South Australia for this amazing result!”
With its continued popularity and the support of the local and international community, the Chihuly exhibition in the Adelaide Botanic Garden is set to remain a highlight on the city’s cultural and tourism calendar.
WHAT: Chihuly in the Botanic Garden
WHEN: 27 September to 29 April
WHERE: Adelaide Botanic Garden
For more information, click here.
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