Sculpture in the Gardens at the Auckland Botanic Gardens
Sculpture in the Gardens is run by the Friends of the Auckland Botanic Gardens and is hosted by Auckland Botanic Gardens. Every second year Aotearoa New Zealand artists are selected to show works in the exhibition over summer. Artists exhibit outdoor sculptural works in the beautiful and well-attended setting of the Gardens. And an indoor gallery also allows displays of small works. There is also a permanent collection on display throughout the year.
In 2024–25 – 15 stunning large scale works exhibited throughout the Gardens
The 2024–25 Sculpture in the Gardens exhibition ran from 16 November 2024 to 2 March 2025 and saw a record number of visitors explore the stunning Auckland Botanic Gardens, where 15 large-scale sculptures were on display, along with the exhibition at the Huakaiwaka Indoor Gallery.
We are excited to bring Sculpture in the Gardens back in 2026 and look forward to creating another unforgettable experience!
In the meantime, you can learn more about the works and the artists of our last show and all the exhibitions back to 2007 in our exhibitions archive. And you can sign up to our eNews to get updates next year. Please note we will be continuing the newsletter every few months in 2025, advertising for the sponsors call, artists call, artists announcement and more.
If you missed the exhibition…
You can still read all about the artists and their works in our archive.
James Wright, Long Fin Eels, Tuna – Kuwharuwharu.
Chris Moore, Bubblegum.
Metal Metcalfe, Patchwork of Possibilities.
Our Permanent Collection
There is art to enjoy every day at the Auckland Botanic Gardens with permanent sculptures displayed within the plant collections. Grab a ‘Permanent Sculpture’ brochure from the Huakaiwaka Visitor Centre to plan your walk around them, or simply come across them as you wander.
Jamie Pickernell, Bird Lady, 2012. South Lawn
Virginia King, Waka, 2001. Threatened Native Plant Garden
Jeff Thomson, Topiary, 2007. Urban Trees
Watch our videos
Learn more about the 2024–25 exhibition. You can also find videos about each of the artists in the exhibition, on their artist page and on our YouTube channel.
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About
Samantha Lissette, Rose Cathedral (detail), 2008.
Sculpture in the Gardens is run by the Friends of the Auckland Botanic Gardens and hosted by Auckland Botanic Gardens. It is held every second summer.
Permanent Collection
Jamie Pickernell, Bird Lady, 2012.
Every day, whether the exhibition is on or if we are between exhibitions, there is art to enjoy with permanent collection sculptures displayed throughout the Auckland Botanic Gardens.
Auckland Botanic Gardens
Find out about the beautiful Auckland Botanic Gardens, the onsite Cafe Miko, the plant collections, other events and more…
Past exhibitions
2024–25 Exhibition
The winning sculpture for the 2024-25 exhibition was Hand down by Josh and Amelia Olley.
Our last outdoor exhibition was held in 2024–25. You can see more about all the artists who exhibited in this show, and who took out the awards.
2021–22 Exhibition
The winning sculpture for the 2021-22 exhibition was Taiki e! United in Purpose! by The Indigenous Clay Artists Collective
Our outdoor exhibition held in 2021–22. You can see more about all the artists who exhibited in this show, and who took out the awards.
Archive of all past exhibitions
Richard Mathieson, Reservoirs, 2021 – Part of the permanent collection.
Our digital archive captures the history of Sculpture in the Gardens and forms a useful resource for the wider art world. We have held exhibitions featuring local artists since the establishment of the event in 2007. This archive presents a complete list of artists exhibited from then.