Sculptureum is Matakana's Extravagant New Gallery-Zoo-Vineyard Hybrid

A Nike-wearing alligator, inspirational quotes from Steve Jobs, an exotic bird aviary, an 80-seat restaurant, and a vineyard— Sculptureum isn't your average art gallery.

After twelve years of design and development, Auckland-based lawyers Anthony and Sandra Grant this week open the doors to their elaborate 'if you build it, they will come' style sculpture park, gallery, zoo, vineyard, restaurant, you name it. The 25 acre site is located less than five minutes' drive from Matakana en route to Omaha.

A stroll through the three art-filled gardens and six galleries will give visitors a peek at works from some of the world's best glass artists, figurative works by Cezanne, Monet, Chagall, Rodin, animal sculptures, and contemporary works in plastic and other materials. The jewel in Sculptureum's collection is a large chandelier by American glass artist Dale Chihuly. It has been called, "The most substantial work of glass art on public display in Australasia."

Not purely restricted to static works, Sculptureum also considers actual animals as living sculptures and will house exotic birds in five aviaries across the property, as well as large rabbits in a grassy arena named Rabbiton, and turtles.

After gawking at the installations, guests can treat their tastebuds courtesy of Scuptureum's already established vineyard and new onsite restaurant, Rothko. The 80-seat eatery is led by former Orphans Kitchen chef Jarrod McGregor and will utilise local produce across the seasons. The autumn menu features: Cloudy Bay clams with leek and onion fondue, wild venison with parsnip, spiced chocolate and last month's blackberries, and roast zucchini with buffalo curd.

Scuptureum opens this week at 40 Omaha Flats Road, Matakana. The gardens and galleries will open from Thursday - Monday, 9am-3pm. Rothko will open Thursday - Monday, 11am-3pm. Visit sculptureum.nz for more info.