Sculptureum

Introduction

Sculptureum, located in Matakana, New Zealand, is a truly exceptional destination for anyone looking to combine art, nature and dining in one inspiring visit. Situated just over an hour north of Auckland, Sculptureum offers a unique outdoor and indoor experience, blending sculpture gardens, museum‑style galleries, resident wildlife and on‑site dining, all set within beautifully landscaped grounds. Every visitor is invited to explore this creative wonderland at their own pace, immersing themselves in art that surprises, delights and sparks imagination.

About the Museum

At its heart, Sculptureum is a thoughtfully curated museum of sculptures and galleries, created by Anthony and Sandra Grant to showcase a diverse range of art forms far beyond traditional framed paintings. It was conceived to illustrate that art can be dynamic, accessible and made from the most unexpected materials—everything from chewing gum and cable ties to resin, metal and glass.

The museum experience comprises four distinct parts:

• The Garden of Creative Diversity: Visitors begin in this expansive outdoor garden, which features a 1.4‑kilometre one‑way loop through beautifully landscaped grounds. Along the paths, more than forty feature sculptures are integrated among ponds, planting and reflective quote panels. Here one will find large installations—a life‑size giraffe, a driftwood whale and sculptural boulders—alongside resident animals such as birds, rabbits, tortoises and turtles.
• The Galleries: Inside, Sculptureum houses six art galleries. Each gallery is themed: one displays international glass art (noted as the finest in the Southern Hemisphere), another focuses on figurative works by celebrated artists such as Picasso, Cézanne, Chagall, Rodin and Giacometti, while others feature animal sculptures and artworks made from recycled or unusual materials. Notable pieces include a chewing‑gum portrait of Marlon Brando and a multi‑layered metal portrait of Steve Jobs.
• The Palm Garden: This smaller yet enchanting garden winds through palms and bromeliads, and is dotted with more than eighty artworks made of glass, metal, ceramics and plastic. Highlights include a life‑size polar bear constructed from recycled whiteware, a four‑metre rooster sculpture, fountains by a German water‑sculpture artist, and a statue of Mark Twain.
• The Pink Snail Garden: Bursting with colour and whimsy, this garden features giant Pink Snails made of recycled plastic, as well as playful sculptures of rabbits, meerkats, Nike‑wearing alligators and skateboard‑inspired art. It is designed to bring fun and light‑hearted surprise to visitors of all ages.

Finally, visitors explore a dedicated gallery space that houses a two‑metre‑high piece in coloured glass by Dale Chihuly, recognised as the most significant glass art work publicly displayed in the Southern Hemisphere and a true centrepiece of the museum’s collection.

A typical visit along flat, accessible pathways takes around two hours to cover the 1.4 kilometre walk. Refreshments and meals are available on site at Rothko Restaurant or other dining options, often paired with Sculptureum’s own wines from its vineyard.

Interesting Facts

• Sculptureum is home to over 800 artworks displayed across six galleries and three sculpture gardens.
• The international glass art collection in Gallery No. 1 is considered the best display of international glass art in the Southern Hemisphere.
• Some pieces are made from unexpected materials: for example, a Marlon Brando portrait made from chewing gum and a Steve Jobs portrait layered in nine metals.
• The outdoor gardens extend over 1.4 kilometres of flat, accessible paths surrounded by art, gardens and animals.
• New pieces are added regularly, so returning visitors often encounter fresh installations and rearrangements .
• On‑site dining includes Rothko Restaurant, where artful cuisine is matched with Sculptureum’s own locally grown wines.

Photo Gallery

Physical Location

Contact Details

Phone: +649 422 7375

Website: sculptureum.nz/

Facebook: facebook.com/sculptureum/

Conclusion

Sculptureum in Matakana offers an art experience quite unlike any other in New Zealand. Whether you are a family with children, an art lover or simply someone seeking inspiration and beauty in a garden setting, Sculptureum delivers on all fronts. Its combination of thoughtfully displayed artworks, playful outdoor sculptures, resident wildlife and engaging galleries creates an environment that is as uplifting as it is expansive.

With accessible pathways, compelling variety in materials and scale, a world‑class Chihuly glass installation and ever‑changing exhibitions, the museum invites visitors to spend at least a couple of hours exploring at their leisure. Complement your visit with a meal at Rothko Restaurant and perhaps a glass of Sculptureum wine, and you have an afternoon that nourishes both body and imagination.

If you are planning a day trip from Auckland, Sculptureum is a place to immerse yourself in creativity, colour and unexpected artistry—and to walk away feeling inspired, refreshed and delighted.