Earlier this year, Thrive’s Auckland office had the pleasure of opening Sculptureum, located a few minutes’ drive from Matakana. Through national and local media, we showcased the destination that had been over a decade in the making, where three art-filled gardens, six galleries, a vineyard, a function centre and Rothko – the site’s restaurant and bar – flow over 25 acres. Now, with the summer season on the horizon, the already hugely popular destination is readying itself for an increased influx of warm weather visitors.
Since its opening, The New Zealand Herald has decreed that “Sculptureum will enchant and inspire many people”, while Denizen heralded the arrival of “a new world class sculpture park”. The television show Sunday announced the opening and achieved one of the highest rating episodes of the season as they unlocked the doors to this secret art garden.
Sculptureum’s six galleries display contemporary works by some of the world’s best artists including Cezanne, Chagall and Rodin. The jewel in the collection is a large chandelier by the famous American glass artist Dale Chihuly, which is the most substantial work of glass art on public display in Australasia. More than 150 exhibits and some 400 works fill the three outdoor gardens – The Garden of Creative Diversity, The Palm Garden and The Pink Snail Garden. Rothko, the site’s 80-seat restaurant, offers a celebrated seasonal menu created by head Chef Jarrod McGregor. Sculptureum’s highly applauded wine, its grapes grown on the fertile vineyard stretching behind the gardens, is available for dine-in or take-home purchase.
To learn more about Sculptureum, its exhibitions and events, please visit www.sculptureum.nz.