More than a million visit Botanic Gardens glass art exhibition
Chihuly in the Botanic Garden has welcomed more than one million visitors since opening in September 2024, according to the state government.
This surpasses an initial minimum target of 750,000 visitors – a number achieved in January – with ticket and gate count data confirming the popularity of the glass art exhibition.
Because of demand, a Sunday session was added to the night time Chihuly Nights program from January to allow more people to see the artwork in the evening.
It’s been a boon for Adelaide Botanic Garden’s new restaurant Botanic Lodge too, which bolstered visitor numbers with the addition of a dining service on Friday and Saturday nights.
“Not only are attendees awed by the stunning artwork, they get to be out in nature, simultaneously enjoying the Garden’s extensive collection of plants,” Deputy Premier Susan Close said.
“We know that so many of these visitors will return again to the Gardens, making nature familiar and accessible to all.”
Tourism minister Zoe Bettison said Chihuly “has exceeded all expectations”.
“What this translates to is more than a million people visiting our CBD, enjoying our bars and restaurants, and putting dollars into the pockets of our local businesses – which is exactly why we invest in Australian first and exclusive events like this Chihuly exhibition,” she said.
“I encourage everyone to make the most of the remaining time of this exhibition, enjoying the world-famous artwork in every light, and being immersed in the tranquillity of our stunning Adelaide Botanic Garden.”
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The government said survey responses showed more than 39 per cent of visitors were from outside of Adelaide, with visitors coming to Chihuly from regional SA, other states and overseas.
Director of Botanic Garden Michael Harvey said he was thrilled with the popularity of the exhibition.
“Reaching the milestone of one million visits to the exhibition is certainly an achievement worth celebrating – and it is a testament to the way the South Australian community has embraced the unique combination of world-class art and our beautiful botanic garden,” Harvey said.
“With events like Adelaide Fringe, WOMADelaide, and AFL Gather Round drawing more people to this great city, our garden gates are open to welcome even more visitors to enjoy this unique experience.”
