Sweet Addiction at The Calyx

See another side of nature and experience its stories in an unexpected way when The Calyx opens at the Royal Botanic Garden in Sydney on 11 June 2016, to form the centerpiece of the Garden’s 200th birthday.

The Calyx (pron. kal-iks, def. ‘The outermost whorl of flowers’) is a world-class horticultural space that will showcase ever-changing exhibitions, launching with Sweet Addiction – the botanic story of chocolate.

Curated by internationally renowned Director of Horticulture Management at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, Jimmy Turner, Sweet Addiction is an opportunity to touch, see, smell, taste and experience chocolate like never before.

The story begins in the depths of a tropical rainforest, and takes visitors on a journey through chocolate plantations, ancient history, and a Lindt-sponsored mill, culminating in the delightful chocolatier room.

Sweet Addiction features Australia’s largest interior living green wall, with 18,128 types of plants in living artworks representing the Mayan God of Chocolate and a traditional chocolate box.

“The Calyx is a fusion of art, theatre and flora with themed exhibitions that address conservation and environmental issues in an imaginative, accessible way yet to be seen in Australia. It’s Broadway for plants, and Sweet Addiction is our first show – complete with lights, sounds and a few surprises along the way,” said Turner.

The exhibition will be ongoing through to April 2017, with interactive chocolate-themed activities taking place throughout the exhibition period.

Built at the site of the Arc Glasshouse in the Palace Precinct (enter via the Woolloomooloo or Palace Garden Gate) of the Garden, the intelligent and sensitive architecture of The Calyx will reinvent itself through emotive and informative exhibitions that change regularly.

“Almost four million people visit the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney each year, and with exhibitions at The Calyx changing on a regular basis, The Calyx is set to be one of Sydney’s top nature-based attractions for tourists and locals alike,” said NSW Environment Minister Mark Speakman.

“We are excited to showcase Sweet Addiction as the first exhibition within The Calyx as it will no doubt draw international attention to the state of New South Wales.”

Sweet Addiction will run from June 2016 to April 2017 from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm daily, and has been designed as a 45 minute experience. The Calyx is wheelchair accessible and pram-friendly.

Tickets are available here from May.