‘Chihuly in the Botanic Garden’ is an amazing exhibit by famous glass artist Dale Chihuly. You can check it out at the Adelaide Botanic Garden from September 27, 2024 to April 29, 2025. There are 15 colourful, big glass sculptures that look awesome within the garden’s natural beauty.
It’s free to visit during the day, and there is a special evening event called ‘Chihuly Nights’ where the sculptures light up for a magical night-time experience. It’s a perfect mix of art and nature that everyone will enjoy and love!
“Adelaide Botanic Garden offers so many rich colors and textures – the ideal environment for the placement of my work…” – Dale Chihuly
If you’ve never visited the botanic gardens, now’s the perfect time to explore the glass exhibition and the amazing variety of plants. We spent about two hours following the exhibition trail, snapping heaps of pictures because we just couldn’t resist!
We were so excited to see these incredible installations and the gorgeous glass art up close. It’s a must-see for anyone who loves colour or art, no matter what their age.
Check out our photo journal of the visit! I’ve included a few terms used in the article and their meanings:
- Polyvitro – It’s a type of plastic which transmits light similarly to glass. It weighs half as much as glass and it’s more durable. You can’t break it.
- Lapis – A semiprecious stone that is usually rich azure blue. It is also highly regarded for its supernatural properties.
- Fiori – Italian for flowers.
Red Reeds on Logs – 2024
Blown Glass
The bright red reeds really stand out against the tall trees, green grass, and bright blue sky, creating a striking contrast with the natural surroundings.
Blue Crystal Tower – 2024
Polyvitro and Steel
The tower stands tall and elegant, with a glittering blue surface reflecting the sunlight. The stony, angular design contrasts wonderfully with the natural smooth materials surrounding it.
Float Boat and Niijima Floats – 2012-2019
Blown Blass and Wooden Boat
This one is one of my favourites. Named after the island and the traditional fishing floats used in Japan.
I find this piece to be quite an alluring display of vibrant colours and elaborate designs. Their delicate appearance makes it a very a captivating addition to the garden.
Sapphire Star – 2010
Blown Glass and Steel
This is a breathtaking glass sculpture with radiant blue spikes that catch the light, creating a stunning visual effect.
Glacier Ice and Lapis Chandelier – 2024
Blown Glass and Steel
Another amazing glass sculpture featuring cascading icy blue and deep blue colours of the various elements. The elaborate design and shining colours make it a dramatic feature hanging within the Botanic Garden’s Palm House setting.
The three-metre sculpture has been generously purchased by Dr Pamela Wall OAM specifically for the Botanic Garden’s Palm House, for it to remain in the garden permanently.
“This beautiful piece of art will provide enjoyment for visitors to the Gardens into the future.” – Dr Pamela Wall OAM
Cattails and Copper Birch Reeds – 2024
Blown Glass
This exhibit features tall, slender glass sculptures that resemble birch reeds. The warm orange and yellow colours, along with their fragile shapes stand out against the green surroundings, making it a striking addition to the garden.
Polyvitro Chandelier – 2006
Polyvitro and Steel
It looks like Christmas decorations on steroids. The brightly coloured pieces create a stunning and festive display.
Lime and Lava Red Tower – 2021
Blown Glass and Steel
It is an impressive glass sculpture made of nearly 600 pieces. Standing almost 4.90 metres high, it features vibrant lime and red glass. Its elaborate snake-like tentacles and vivid colours makes it a striking centrepiece in this natural setting.
Chartreuse Hornet Polyvitro Chandelier – 2021
Polyvitro and Steel
The chandelier features vibrant chartreuse (yellow-green) pieces that resemble hornets.
Its elaborate design and vivid colours make it a striking and eye-catching centrepiece in any setting.
Fiori Boat – 2018
Blown Glass and Wooden Boat
A burst of brilliant colours emitted from a boat and reflected on the water. The fiori groups consist of various shapes inspired by nature.
Ethereal Spring Persians – 2022
Blown Glass and Steel
This one was definitely a clear favourite for both of us.
Located at the Sunken Garden, it features delicate, flower-like shapes in soft, pastel colours creating a serene and captivating display, on this pond setting.
We probably spent the longest time at this exhibit taking pictures of it from every possible angle.
Vivid Lime Icicle Tower – 2022
Blown Glass and Steel
It emerges and stands tall and proud at a height of about 13 metres against the botanic landscape. The tower is made up of vibrant lime-coloured glass pieces that look like icicles.
The Sun – 2014
Blown Glass and Steel
This may be everyone’s favourite piece. It’s a stunning glass sculpture that looks like a bright sun. It has hundreds of vivid, blazing glass pieces that expand outward, creating an intense show of colour.
Chihuly once said: “I want my work to appear like it came from nature, so that if someone found it on a beach or in a forest, they might think it belonged there.”
And that is why this garden setting is so appropriate.
There is a Garden Map & Artwork Guide available at each entry point to the Adelaide Botanic Garden. Remember these works are only on display to the end of April 2025.
Treat yourself and visit this exhibition before it’s gone, and our photos are all you have to remember it by. Use these thumbnails to revisit any of the artworks above. Enjoy, and Ciao for now.
