Blue Mountains Posts

Set among towering ancient rainforest in the heart of the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains, Sculpture at Scenic World is Australia’s premier outdoor sculpture exhibition which will transform ancient rainforest to an open-air art gallery from April 1 – May 2, 2021.

Featuring dozens of world class artworks, the exhibition invites visitors to experience art and nature in new ways with subtle sculptures and bold installations from established and emerging artists.

Free Kids Trail Guides will keep the little ones entertained, while everyone will enjoy entry to Sculpture Otherwise – an indoor exhibition of smaller works held at the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre.

With a range of accommodation packages available, Sculpture at Scenic World also provides the perfect excuse to plan a staycation close to home in the Blue Mountains, just 90 minutes from Sydney.

Sculpture at Scenic World has earned a solid reputation as a must-do autumn experience, welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors since the event’s inception in 2011. This year’s exhibition has also been more than 12 months in the making after the 2020 event was postponed due to coronavirus.

Scenic World Chief Experience Officer, Amanda Byrne, said there was a growing appetite for major events such as Sculpture at Scenic World as visitors increasingly look for nature-based experiences closer to home.

“It has been a whirlwind year for the tourism industry, but it is encouraging to see such strong demand for authentic tourism experiences in our backyard,” she said, noting that Scenic World’s Dinosaur Valley event was extended for four weeks due to popular demand.

“Major events will play a key role in the tourism industry’s recovery by driving an increase in visitor spending and overnight stays in our region, and we are excited to bring Sculpture at Scenic World back to the Blue Mountains to stimulate visitation to the region.”

Sculpture at Scenic World Exhibition Curator, Justin Morrissey, added that the highly anticipated exhibition provided a unique opportunity to celebrate the talents of artists and showcase the Blue Mountains with a free public program extending throughout the region.

A series of large sculptures will be displayed at iconic venues including the Carrington Hotel, Mountain Heritage Hotel and the Fairmont Resort & Spa as part of Twist & Shout, an exciting outdoor exhibition which encourages visitors to explore the Blue Mountains region.

“It’s rewarding to see the exhibition evolve each year with new artists and public programs that help to showcase our region in a unique way that captivates travellers from near and far,” he said, adding that the event is recognised as a major regional event under Destination NSW’s Flagship Events program.

All exhibiting artists will go head-to-head for the highly coveted Scenic World Major Award, selected by an independent judging panel including National Art School’s Head of Sculpture, Hany Armanious; renowned Sydney-based sculptor, Margarita Samspon; and Artistic Director of The Lock-Up, Courtney Novak. All artists also receive a $1,000 grant to exhibit in the event.

Visitors can enjoy the exhibition at their own pace with entry via the Cableway or Railway, and wrap up the adventure with panoramic views of the Three Sisters from the Scenic Skyway. Entry to all Scenic World experiences is priced from $49.90 for adults and $27.90 for children under 14 years. Children under four are free.

The Sculpture at Scenic World Season Pass also includes unlimited entry to the exhibition from April 1 – May 2 for $79 ($39 children under 14 years), including entry to Sculpture Otherwise at the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Experience art and nature in new ways at Sculpture at Scenic World from April 1 – May 2, 2021
• Reconnect with nature among towering ancient rainforest
• Enjoy the thrill of the world’s steepest railway – in reverse
• Enjoy a weekend arts escape with a range of exclusive accommodation packages available
• A range of kids’ activities will keep the little ones entertained
• Top off your arts exploration with a visit to Sculpture Otherwise at the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre

Sculpture at Scenic World is open every day of the school holidays, and every Friday – Monday outside these times. Scenic World is COVID safe and capacity is limited to protect the safety and wellbeing of guests and staff.