Sculpture Garden, Canberra
The Sculpture Garden, located between the National Gallery and the shores of Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra, offers a captivating display of the Gallery鈥檚 extensive sculpture collection. Designed by Harry Howard and Associates with input from James Mollison, the Gallery鈥檚 first Director, the garden鈥檚 layout was carefully planned to harmonize with the architectural form of the National Gallery. Earthworks and plantings for the garden began in 1981, and its design incorporates a diagonal pathway that mirrors the triangular architecture of the Gallery building.
This innovative landscape design features a series of 'outside rooms' that showcase a diverse collection of 26 sculptures by both international and Australian artists. The majority of these sculptures were acquired in the early 1980s and reflect the abstract and industrial styles prevalent at the time. Noteworthy pieces include Fujiko Nakaya鈥檚 fog sculpture and the evocative Pukamani burial poles, which add a layer of cultural and artistic depth to the garden. A significant addition in 2010 is Antony Gormley鈥檚 life-sized maquette for "Angel of the North," which faces the lake and adds a striking visual element to the collection.
The garden鈥檚 plantings are carefully selected to withstand Canberra鈥檚 extreme weather conditions, including harsh winters and long, hot summers. The design is organized around the seasons, with each section reflecting a different time of year. The Winter garden, closest to the Gallery, features warm slate and winter flowering acacias, along with the earliest figurative sculptures. The Summer garden, shaded by Casuarinas and adjacent to a marsh pond, provides a cool respite during the hotter months. The Spring garden, nearer to the lake, bursts with flowering Grevilleas and Acacias. The Autumn garden, however, was never fully realized, leaving an incomplete seasonal cycle.
This innovative landscape design features a series of 'outside rooms' that showcase a diverse collection of 26 sculptures by both international and Australian artists. The majority of these sculptures were acquired in the early 1980s and reflect the abstract and industrial styles prevalent at the time. Noteworthy pieces include Fujiko Nakaya鈥檚 fog sculpture and the evocative Pukamani burial poles, which add a layer of cultural and artistic depth to the garden. A significant addition in 2010 is Antony Gormley鈥檚 life-sized maquette for "Angel of the North," which faces the lake and adds a striking visual element to the collection.
The garden鈥檚 plantings are carefully selected to withstand Canberra鈥檚 extreme weather conditions, including harsh winters and long, hot summers. The design is organized around the seasons, with each section reflecting a different time of year. The Winter garden, closest to the Gallery, features warm slate and winter flowering acacias, along with the earliest figurative sculptures. The Summer garden, shaded by Casuarinas and adjacent to a marsh pond, provides a cool respite during the hotter months. The Spring garden, nearer to the lake, bursts with flowering Grevilleas and Acacias. The Autumn garden, however, was never fully realized, leaving an incomplete seasonal cycle.
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Sculpture Garden on Map
Sight Name: Sculpture Garden
Sight Location: Canberra, Australia (See walking tours in Canberra)
Sight Type: Statue/Public Art
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Canberra, Australia (See walking tours in Canberra)
Sight Type: Statue/Public Art
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Canberra, Australia
Create Your Own Walk in Canberra
Creating your own self-guided walk in Canberra is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Canberra Civic Center Walking Tour
Civic Centre, often simply called Civic, lies at the heart of Canberra, Australia's purpose-built capital. This central district is not only a hub for shopping and dining but also a significant cultural and historical site. At its core, lie an array of landmarks that tell the story of the city's past and vibrant present.
Starting with the Australian War Memorial, located at the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Starting with the Australian War Memorial, located at the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Canberra Downtown Walking Tour
Australia鈥檚 capital, Canberra, is jokingly nicknamed the "Bush Capital鈥� for the abundance of forested and natural reserve lands around. What's now the Australian Capital Territory previously has been inhabited by Aboriginal people for more than 20,000 years.
The name "Canberra" originates from the Aboriginal Australian language and means a "meeting place".... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
The name "Canberra" originates from the Aboriginal Australian language and means a "meeting place".... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles