The Sun Sculpture
The Desert Botanical Gardens in Phoenix Arizona are unlike any other botanical gardens in the world. They are filled with all different kinds of cactus and desert plants. The gardens are in Papago Park which are located between Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe. When you are in the gardens you feel like you are out in the middle of desert even though you are surrounded by the city.
The gardens are currently celebrating their 75th anniversary and for Phoenix that is pretty old. I really like visiting the gardens and have a membership that allows me to go whenever I want.
Red Glass Sculpture with Cactus
Blue Glass and Agave Plants
This November (2013) they are bringing back the the popular “Chihuly in the Garden” exhibit. The exhibit is created with the famous glass artist Dale Chihuly. This will be the second time that the gardens have had this exhibit. The first time was in 2008 which is when I took these pictures.
Boat with Purple Glass
Blue Glass Iceberg
Green Glass Cactus Sculpture
The glass sculptures are carefully placed throughout the gardens among the cactus and desert plants. The exhibit is especially spectacular at sunset when many of the sculptures are lit up.
Green Cactus Sculptures during the day.
Green Cactus Sculpture at the Desert Botanical Gardens
The exhibit runs from November 10, 2013 to May 18, 2014 which is the best time of year in Phoenix. If you are going to be in Phoenix at this time or are a fan of Chihuly I highly recommend visiting during this time. I know that I will visit many times.
Glass Ball Boat Sculpture
Neon Glass Sculpture at Sunset
This exhibit will be very popular and it is recommended that you make reservations in advance. They will have three entrance times per day at 8 AM, 12PM and 4PM. I recommend going for the 4 PM time because you will be able to see the gardens during the day and night.
CLICK HERE TO SEE PHOTOS FROM THE 2014 EXHIBIT
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
- The Chihuly Exhibit runs from November 10, 2013 until May 18, 2014.
- Entrance fees are $22 for Adults, $20 for Seniors, $12 for Students and $10 for Children. It is free for members.
- Visit the gardens website for more information.
- The gardens are located in Papago Park which is located between Phoenix, Tempe and Scottsdale.
Frank says
August 26, 2013 at 8:54 AMBeautiful! Chihuly is also having an exhibit going on right now in Montreal which I’ve covered on my site. Interesting to see how his pieces are being shown off in different settings!
Frank (bbqboy)
Jeff says
August 26, 2013 at 9:00 AMI have seen his exhibits in a number of places. The Desert Botanical Gardens are one of the more unique settings for his art.
Escapig Abroad says
August 26, 2013 at 9:26 AMI really liked the cactus sculptures at the entrance. Did you get to see the 4 seasons sculptures by Haas, or were those already taken down?
Jeff says
August 26, 2013 at 9:35 AMI think I did see those. These photos were taken in 2008. The exhibit will be returning in November.
Gray says
August 26, 2013 at 9:30 AMWow, those are gorgeous photos! What a spectacular setting for his sculptures!
Jeff says
August 26, 2013 at 9:37 AMI knew you would like it. I can’t wait to see it again in November.
noel says
August 26, 2013 at 10:16 AMWow, those are amazing, these shows with his art work is just amazing, would love to see this in person.
noel recently posted..Coastal hike along the Mendocino coastline,Travel Photo Mondays #9
Jeff says
August 26, 2013 at 5:48 PMIf you are anywhere when they have an exhibit you should check it out.
Jennifer says
August 26, 2013 at 5:25 PMLooks like a cool exhibit! I haven’t been to the botanical gardens in Phoenix in years.
Jennifer recently posted..Capture the Colour 2013
Jeff says
August 26, 2013 at 5:46 PMIf you are back in Phoenix between November and May you should definitely see it.
Sonja says
August 28, 2013 at 12:24 PMThat is so cool! I’ve seen glass like that in Las Vegas, but in nature it really looks fantastic!
Terence Chang says
August 28, 2013 at 6:28 PMJeff:
Looks like you were having some great time. That blue glass Iceberg looks really interesting.
I thought you disappear … 😉
Terence Chang recently posted..New Tricks For The Old Geek
Hogga says
September 3, 2013 at 1:07 PMlove the pictures! I would love to see them in real life
Charu says
September 28, 2013 at 9:06 AMBeautiful photos! I’m a big Chihuly nut. I missed the Botanical exhibit in Brooklyn but glad to catch up with Phoenix
Arlene Kieslich says
December 19, 2013 at 8:16 AM!!! ABSOLUTELY AMAZING to attend this CHIHULY EXHIBIT in person at our own PHX’s Desert Botanical Garden!! . . . GORGEOUS GLASS SCULPUTURES in fabulous desert setting INCREDIBLE beyone description!
Jeff says
December 19, 2013 at 5:06 PMIt really is amazing. I have been to the new exhibit three times already.
MikesRoadTrip says
February 4, 2014 at 8:29 AMI too was at the DBG in 2008 when the exhibit was first there. I’d love to go back to see what new parts of the exhibit they have. Tip: Go around 4pm, that way you can see it by day, and lit up at night. DBG is such a wonderful place, made just that more beautiful by the Chihuly Exhibit.
Jeff says
February 4, 2014 at 8:37 AMI have been to the new one a couple of times and it is almost all new sculptures. If you get a chance you should check it out.
MikesRoadTrip says
February 4, 2014 at 8:43 AMSweet, good to know. Thx!