Alchemy of a Rainforest

Explore a vibrant tapestry of life! Step inside this immersive, sensory exhibition featuring spectacular rare and unusual tropical and subtropical rainforest plants.

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Location

The Calyx, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

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Date

Daily (refer below for closures)

Time

10am – 4pm

Price

Entry by donation
 

Where nature's brilliance and human creativity converge

Here, amidst a lush, layered canopy, you'll experience the intricate beauty and complexity of the rainforest like never before.

Alchemy of a Rainforest is more than an exhibition; it's an immersive journey that envelops you in the vibrant, living essence of one of the Earth's most valuable ecosystems. 

As you enter, look up and be captivated by a shimmering, undulating canopy reimagined with recycled materials by ERTH. Walking through, you’ll feel enveloped by nature, as if you’ve been transported to the heart of the forest.

Throughout the space, garden sculptures by environmental artist Jane Gillings add vibrant pops of colour and texture. Crafted from repurposed plastic waste, these intricate pieces depict seeds, flowers, branches, fungi, and butterflies, highlighting the rainforest’s role as an ecological powerhouse that sustains diverse life forms.

A highlight of the exhibition is the oversized Satin Bowerbird’s bower, crafted from upcycled materials. This stunning installation invites you to walk through, sit, and be surrounded by the hum of rainforest sound art, transporting you to a tropical forest teeming with life.

Curated by the horticultural team at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, Alchemy of a Rainforest has over 18,000 plants on display and one of the largest living green walls in the Southern Hemisphere.

Join us in this immersive journey, where art, nature, and innovation come together to create an experience that is both spectacular and profoundly meaningful.

The Calyx’s kiosk, the Leaf Department, is open 8am–4pm every day. Visit for great coffee and juices, breakfast and lunch sandwiches, sweet treats and snacks.

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Closures

The Calyx is a public exhibition space, however it is also available to hire for private events. On occasion, The Calyx will be closed to facilitate these private events. It may also be closed in cases of extreme heat. Please see closure dates below. We apologise for any inconvenience.

December
  • Saturday 7 December: exhibition and cafe closed
  • Wednesday 11 December: exhibition and cafe closed from 3pm
  • Thursday 12 December: exhibition and cafe closed from 3pm
  • Friday 13 December: exhibition and cafe closed
  • Monday 16 December: exhibition closed, cafe open
  • Tuesday 17 December:  exhibition closed, cafe open
  • Wednesday 18 December:  exhibition closed, cafe open
  • Thursday 19 December: exhibition and cafe closed
  • Friday 20 December: exhibition and cafe closed from 3.30pm
  • Wednesday 25 December: exhibition and cafe closed
  • Monday 30 December: exhibition closed from 3pm, cafe open
January
  • Thursday 23 January: exhibition and cafe closed