Sculpture in the Gardens: A Guided Tour of Art in the Landscape
How does a sculpture change when it is placed not in a gallery, but among trees, gardens and an ever-changing natural landscape?
Join us for a guided tour of the 2026–27 Sculpture in the Gardens exhibition at Auckland Botanic Gardens, a major biennial celebration of contemporary sculpture from artists across Aotearoa New Zealand.
This year marks the tenth Sculpture in the Gardens exhibition, bringing together 15 artists and artist groups selected by curators Terry Urbahn, Olivia Haddon and Linda Tyler. The works have been created specifically for the outdoor environment, with artists responding in very different ways to the landscape, plant collections and character of the Botanic Gardens.
Rather than simply walking past the sculptures, our guided tour will give us the chance to slow down, look more closely and understand some of the thinking behind the works. We’ll explore the ideas, materials and creative decisions involved, consider how each piece interacts with its surroundings, and discover more about the artists who created them.
Expect a relaxed and engaging morning combining contemporary art, conversation and the beautiful setting of the Auckland Botanic Gardens - with plenty of opportunity to share your own reactions and interpretations along the way.
Key Takeaways:
- Look at contemporary sculpture with greater confidence: Gain insight into the ideas, materials and artistic choices behind a diverse selection of works, and discover different ways of interpreting what you see.
- Explore the relationship between art and place: Consider how sculpture responds to landscape, planting, scale and changing natural surroundings, and how the setting itself can become part of the artwork.
Dates:
This workshop will run on Tuesday 2nd February from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm.
Venue:
We’re delighted to be hosting this Love Heart experience at Auckland Botanic Gardens, one of Auckland’s most beautiful and inspiring public spaces.
With more than 64 hectares of gardens, native bush and curated plant collections, it provides the perfect setting for a guided exploration of Sculpture in the Gardens - allowing us to experience contemporary art in direct conversation with the landscape around it.
It’s a wonderful opportunity to combine learning, art and the outdoors in a setting that encourages you to slow down, look closely and enjoy the experience together.
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