Enter a unique world of art, food and wine at Sculptureum.
Currently ranked the No.2 Best Thing to do in Auckland on TripAdvisor, Sculptureum promises to keep you busy for several pleasurable hours of viewing, reflecting and being inspired. Filled with original and enriching experiences, there is an intriguing surprise around every corner.
Located an hour north of Auckland and just outside Matakana, Sculptureum is a delightful mix of art galleries, gardens and sculpture walks connected in a world class tourist attraction that honors New Zealand’s uniqueness. Over 1.5km of flat paths meander through and connect the three sculpture gardens and six art galleries.
The Galleries
Sculptureum’s private collection highlights more than seven hundred works of art by both local and international artists. Visiting this immaculately kept attraction you are certain to find inspiration around every corner … from cautiously curious live rabbits to the grand Chihuly glass chandelier and everything in between.
Owners Anthony and Sandra Grant spent ten years creating a destination designed to unlock the imagination, fuel creativity and ignite the mind. The displayed works are the result of many years collecting from around the world. These are brought together for an internationally unique art experience. Each piece is chosen to amuse, inspire, and stimulate.
The indoor galleries, which display works from around the world, are individually themed: glass art, figurative works, works from recycled materials, works of animals, modern abstract works in plastic and other materials. The final room of The Sculptureum Experience displays a grand, glass chandelier by the famous American artist Dale Chihuly.
Throughout the indoor galleries, matt black walls offer a perfect contrast to highlight the brightly colored works of art. In this unique collection you can find a Picasso, Chagall, Cezanne and Matisse all on one wall. Look out for work by such well-known names as Andy Warhol, Jeff Koons and Jean-Michel Basquiet.
The Gardens
The Sculptureum gardens are alive with colorful plantings that transform with the seasons. Commanding prehistoric rocks, their patterns and shapes formed over millennia, stand beside panels that display written musings on topics as diverse as Gardens, Inspiration, Wisdom, Art and Music. Much of the pathways are flat and level, suitable for energetic children and visitors in wheelchairs. The gardens are flamboyant with colorful sculptures – giant pink snails, abstract blossoms, and animal figures – with a chorus of buzzing Cicadas in the air.
Visible from almost anywhere in the garden, a huge puffball flower composed of yellow buckets towers over the shrubbery. A humpback whale constructed from driftwood leaps from a wave of crushed azure glass, while an angular metal polar bear stares menacingly from his rocky pool.
Sculptureum is a must-visit, no matter the weather. Rain umbrellas, and parasols for sunny days, are available to borrow while you explore the outdoor exhibits. The estate is also available for private functions, corporate events and weddings.
Follow Sculptureum on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube to catch a preview and share your experiences.
Food & Wine
Rothko Restaurant on the Sculptureum grounds was voted a Metro Top 50 Restaurant in Auckland in 2019 and highlighted as ‘One to Watch’ in the Cuisine Good Food Awards 2019.
The culinary style at Rothko Restaurant is inspired by the sea and fertile land that surrounds the property. Rothko’s team craft each menu to present the fresh flavors of the region and the season, with the support of local producers and suppliers.
Sculptureum’s award-winning wines flow from the 11-acre vineyard which overlooks the sculpture gardens. Sculptureum wines are best enjoyed with a meal at Rothko Restaurant or savor the experience and take a bottle home.
Skip the queues and get your tickets online before your visit. Annual and Family passes guarantee an affordable visit. Enquire about discounted group and tour bookings.
