As you enter the driveway, you know that you have arrived somewhere very special. This is the Sculptureum of Matakana!
Up through beautifully manicured lawns dotted with eclectic sculptures, including an elephant escaping through a man-hole – the the first hint of what is yet to come!
Upon arrival, you are greeted by the lovely curator and given a short overview of the collection. Then you set off into the six gallery collections that Auckland–based lawyers Anthony and Sandra Grant have spent 12 years developing to showcase the art that they have spent their lifetime accumulating.
The artistically lit indoor galleries display stunning contemporary works by some of the world’s best glass and mixed media artists. The outdoor galleries feature surreal animal sculptures and fantastical caricatures. Every step along the paths that wind through gardens presents you with a new and wonderous surprise.
The jewel in the collection at Sculptureum is the breathtaking chandelier by the famous American glass artist Dale Chihuly, and is the most substantial work of glass art on public display in Australasia.
In total, there are more than 150 exhibits and some 400 works that fill the Gardens and galleries. It’s pretty easy to spend a couple of hours enjoying the art…and that’s even before you start the lunch or wine tasting at Rothco’s!