Sculpture in Context 2021 runs from Thursday 2 September to Friday 15 October. Access is free and approximately two-thirds of the 164 pieces are displayed outdoors in the grounds; these are viewable throughout our opening hours. The pieces in the Gallery upstairs in the Visitor Centre are viewable Thursday to Saturday only, and you must book a slot here on Eventbrite to view them (there is no entry fee). 

Sculpture receives a spectacular presentation in the National Botanic Gardens and throughout the 50 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds you will discover sculpture in the most unexpected and surprising places.

Sculpture in Context is a pivotal event in the Irish arts calendar and as the longest running, largest and most important sculpture exhibition in the country, the annual exhibition attracts a large public and critical audience and is the cultural highlight of the National Botanic Gardens calendar.  This year Sculpture in Context will celebrate 35 years exhibiting and promoting sculpture in Ireland.

Bringing together the work of over 140 artists using an incredible range of media, these works of art represent the richly diverse character of Irish and International contemporary sculpture today. From the smallest, most intricate ceramic works to stone sculptures of a monumental scale, visitors to the exhibition will be enriched by the experience of viewing such inspiring works in one location.

The artistic integrity and technical skill involved in creating the works is evident throughout and highlights the breadth and depth of artistic talent and skill in Ireland today.

For more information, including an exhibition catalogue and images of all the pieces within the Gallery, please visit sculptureincontext.com

Exhibiting artists include – Sara Cunningham-Bell, Remco de Fouw, Maree Hensey, Penelope Lacey and Martin O’Keefe.

Featured image: Listen to Her, by Martin O’Keefe.