A Glass Act: Traders Leverage on success of Chihuly in the Botanic Garden

The Chihuly in the Botanic Garden exhibition has shattered the North Terrace landmark's attendance records, as local traders involved in the Adelaide Celebrates Glass City Trail reap the rewards of increased foot traffic.

New Adelaide Botanic Garden figures show the exhibition set a record for daily visitors on Monday 7 October with 15,576 people viewing the attraction, breaking the previous record set in 2023 with the blooming of the corpse flower.

More than 180,300 people have seen the glass sculptures, created by acclaimed contemporary glass blower Dale Chihuly, since its debut on 27 September.

It comes as the Adelaide Botanic Garden said the exhibition’s flow-on economic benefits were being felt across the wider city limits

The Adelaide Celebrates Glass trail features more than 15 retail, education, hospitality and tourism operators offering Chihuly-inspired experiences.

From exclusive cocktails made with Prohibition Liquor Co’s Chihuly gin, discounted dining experiences, workshops and displays—traders have taken advantage of increased foot traffic.

City traders can sign up to be a part of the trail here.

Adelaide Economic Development Agency (AEDA) General Manager Greg Ratsch says events like the Chihuly exhibition play an important role in the city’s economy.

"Increasing visitation to the city is a priority for AEDA. Major exhibitions like Chihuly in the Botanic Garden provides a focus on the City and provides opportunities for traders,” Mr Ratsch says.

“Visitors, local and afar, are spending money in the city by following the Adelaide Celebrates Glass City Trail, and we encourage visitors to visit local businesses with Chihuly offerings.”

InterContinental Adelaide spokesperson Shohail Ibne Mahbub says the North Terrace Hotel is proud to be a part of the trail.

“We’ve loved seeing more visitors come through our doors, many of whom stay to enjoy a signature Chihuly Gin cocktail at Atrium Lounge, making the most of their experience with us,” she says.

“This is a very promising initiative for tourism in the state of South Australia, and of course for the hotels and hospitality industry.

“We are excited to see it stay until April 2025.”

Hotel Indigo spokeswoman Hartlie Hedger says: “We love being part of the community and invite everyone to stop by and experience the vibrant local culture with us.”

The exhibition features 15 large-scale glass sculptures, with Adelaide marking the first place in the southern hemisphere to host the exhibition.

Visiting the sculptures is free during the day, however, patrons need to pay at night-time for a dramatic illuminated experience.

East End Advocate Theo Maras AM says the exhibition has had a great impact on the city's East End.

“Since opening, we have seen a trail of visitors moving between the Botanic Garden and the East End restaurant area,” Mr Maras says.

Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium Director Michael Harvey says Chihuly in the Garden has been enjoyed by audiences near and far.

“We are beyond thrilled with the level of interest so far with both Adelaideans and out-of-town visitors combining to break our previous daily visitation record nine times in just the first two weeks,” Mr Harvey says.

“We encourage people to return to experience the exhibition through the different seasons, and we anticipate elevated visitation to the Garden right up until 29 April 2025.

“Whether you visit by day or night, plan your outing or discover the artworks by surprise, overwhelming positive feedback reassures us that these stunning works are resonating with all age groups, and can be comfortably appreciated at people’s leisure.”

Learn how you can join the trail.

Images

Dale ChihulyEthereal Spring Persians, 20226 x 9 x 8'Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, installed 2023© 2022 Chihuly Studio. All rights reserved. Photographer: Nathaniel Willson