Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden
Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden
5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Visits and tours by appointment only, Tues- Sat. TO ENTER AN ARTIST’S GARDEN IS TO VISIT ANOTHER WORLD. The Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden is a place of expansive vistas, scents and the sounds of nature, with tranquil groves, hidden paths and lush indigenous vegetation. The project began serendipitously in 2009 when Lewis hired an excavator on a whim and began shaping the contours of what would become the seven-hectare sculpture garden. Today, the artist continues to explore themes integral to his work in this serene landscape on the slopes of the Stellenbosch Mountain looking out over vineyards towards the ocean.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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- Anne EHilton Head, South Carolina22 contributionsReally a special place- a must seeThis was simply outstanding. As others have mentioned, we are not big museum or garden tourists. However, Dylan Lewis managed to create an amazing experience that was one of the best things we did on our month long trip to parts of Africa. Highly recommend.Visited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 15 December 2023
- cmsvai09Ludwigsburg, Germany172 contributionsDon’t miss this place if you are in StellenboschA fantastic place to enjoy exquisite,mesmerising sculptures against a stunning backdrop. The indigenous garden is very well laid out with different sections for types of plants, ponds full of water lilies, sculptures of different sizes of animals and humans placed at selected spots for the best effects, this is a place to meander, rest and ponder about what the artist is trying to convey to his audience. One cannot limit the wonder of this place to a few sentences. One has to visit the place and see with one’s own eyes.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 13 February 2024
- TrvCplWoodmere, New York160 contributionsSpectacular GardenWe spent 3 hours walking and admiring the sculptures and gardens by this wonderful artist. The reception staff is knowledgeable and eager to assist in maximizing your enjoyment here. The detailed brochure lays out the garden routes, sculptures to be seen and categories of artwork. The hand and eye of the talented Mr. Lewis in designing this garden are exquisitely apparent. A short break in the cafe for coffee and mini cakes was delicious and well earned. This is a beautiful site to absorb and enjoy nature and sculptures in perfect harmony.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 26 February 2024
- Sightsee431843667684 contributionsMost beautiful Sculpture Garden in the Cape Winelands!A must visit when you are in Stellenbosch. The gardens are beautifully maintained and each Sculpture has its own story within the setting of plants, flowers and trees and takes you on a magical journey. The coffee shop was a lovely stop after the visit to enjoy a nice coffee and cake by the fire place. Bookings are essential for visiting the Sculpture Gardens.Visited July 2024Travelled on businessWritten 24 July 2024
- mamadr1Milton, Georgia80 contributionsUnexpected gemOur travel agent arranged this visit on the way from Cape Town to Franschhoek. We had a hard time leaving. The natural setting, framed by beautiful mountains, immediately drew us in to this powerful celebration of wildness and transformation. These sculptures and poetry create a journey that will continue long after you leave.Visited August 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 8 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
149 reviews
Excellent
140
Very good
6
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0
Poor
1
Terrible
2
Simon C
Ashtead, UK765 contributions
Dec 2022
This is quite a place and quite a way up the mountains, off the main road. Booking is essential – you won’t get past the severe guard on the gate without one. Then it’s a couple of km to drive (avoid the deliberate speed depressions (opposite of humps) which you can’t see so easily) and you park at the top of the hill.
The experience costs ZAR200 and is payable at the main house, and took us just under two hours to walk the paths and admire/critique the 40 or so sculptures. The gardens are paths are as much of event as the artwork – some of which was fine, some not so, but that it what you would expect with art, each to their tastes.
On balance, we weren’t great fans of the sculptures (too many mixed of human and animal – resulting in monsters you might see on Dr Who) but the gardens were sensational, and we thoroughly enjoyed the morning.
The experience costs ZAR200 and is payable at the main house, and took us just under two hours to walk the paths and admire/critique the 40 or so sculptures. The gardens are paths are as much of event as the artwork – some of which was fine, some not so, but that it what you would expect with art, each to their tastes.
On balance, we weren’t great fans of the sculptures (too many mixed of human and animal – resulting in monsters you might see on Dr Who) but the gardens were sensational, and we thoroughly enjoyed the morning.
Written 10 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
North S
Punta Gorda, FL55 contributions
Mar 2020
The Lewis Sculpture Garden is NOT on the way to anywhere. You must want to go there are you MUST make a reservation. It is truly worth the extra effort. The gardens are a beautifully sculpted several acres of plants and Lewis pieces shown as he believes they should be experienced. the gardens are meant to be experienced as a communion with nature not as a place you rush through or view with large groups. Everything Lewis is there from his early studio to examples of the wide variety of his sculpture and his paintings. The staff is very welcoming and knowledgeable. Plan to spend at least a couple hours or more. there is a snack bar on the grounds as well as complimentary water. Look at the website for phone numbers and directions. Do not be put off by the initial gate that looks like you are going to go down a dirt road to a farm - you are.
Written 27 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Douglas C
Somerset West, South Africa204 contributions
Aug 2021
This was our second visit to the Sculpture gardens. We were with friends who had not been before including a sculptor in her own right. Take it easy and allow at least two hours to meander and enjoy (the numbers on the map are not that easy to follow maybe some discrete ground numbers would help).The gardens are a stroke of genius offering their own distinct pleasure, especially with the flowers which appear. and the hills , valleys dams and streams, created for the display of sculptures appear natural and are definitely fit for purpose and display of the sculptures.
The sculptures defy description in terms of their uniqueness and the emotions they display :many evoke power and energy as well as other characteristics. the evolution of form from animal to human is very meaningful.
This is a must visit for anyone visiting the Cape even if you are not artistically or garden design inclined. Do not rush your visit and relax and enjoy. There were few others there when we visited which enhanced the experience. Numbers should be limited by management to enhance the experience.
The sculptures defy description in terms of their uniqueness and the emotions they display :many evoke power and energy as well as other characteristics. the evolution of form from animal to human is very meaningful.
This is a must visit for anyone visiting the Cape even if you are not artistically or garden design inclined. Do not rush your visit and relax and enjoy. There were few others there when we visited which enhanced the experience. Numbers should be limited by management to enhance the experience.
Written 9 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ian14_11
Welwyn Garden City, UK197 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
This is the most fabulous visit and possibly the best hidden gem in the Western Cape! You must book, as they limit the number of people in the garden which is excellent.
Everything about this place is perfect! The setting beneath the mountains, the planting and landscaping of the garden, and most of all the sculptures. He gets so much power and movement into them!
The visit takes a good two hours- the interiors of the building are also beautiful. They have water and parasols at the reception.
The pictures here are good, but they do not do it justice. If you like sculpture you simply must visit.
Everything about this place is perfect! The setting beneath the mountains, the planting and landscaping of the garden, and most of all the sculptures. He gets so much power and movement into them!
The visit takes a good two hours- the interiors of the building are also beautiful. They have water and parasols at the reception.
The pictures here are good, but they do not do it justice. If you like sculpture you simply must visit.
Written 11 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
petesaund
United Kingdom4 343 contributions
Dec 2022
After a frustrating time locating Mulberry Farm when we arrived that frustration melted away and you were taken on an unreal journey that defied our expectations.
We were strongly recommended to visit by South African friends and we feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to see the works of this sculptor.We had seen many exhibitions of internationally famed sculptors like Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth but were not prepared for the privilege of viewing his works in such a stunning natural environment and garden with Drakenstein mountains looming in the background.The technique he uses is a little abstract but his animals come alive in such an environment and this is reinforced by his style which creates a feeling of movement.
The sheer number of animals and human figures within the sculpture garden reflect how prolific an artist he is.He is a match for another South African sculpture Anton Smit.
All the works are strategically placed to maximise and enhance their features
Do not miss this cultural and artistic extravaganza you will not be disappointed.
We were strongly recommended to visit by South African friends and we feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to see the works of this sculptor.We had seen many exhibitions of internationally famed sculptors like Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth but were not prepared for the privilege of viewing his works in such a stunning natural environment and garden with Drakenstein mountains looming in the background.The technique he uses is a little abstract but his animals come alive in such an environment and this is reinforced by his style which creates a feeling of movement.
The sheer number of animals and human figures within the sculpture garden reflect how prolific an artist he is.He is a match for another South African sculpture Anton Smit.
All the works are strategically placed to maximise and enhance their features
Do not miss this cultural and artistic extravaganza you will not be disappointed.
Written 16 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
25NYC
Cape Town Central, South Africa21 contributions
Feb 2023
This is the second time we went. Dylan Lewis is one of my favorite artists and I must admit, you can never get enough of this beautiful garden where he exhibits his sculptures. Surrounded by the beauty of South Africa nature, this is a place for all people who love art and nature. It was very hot and we decided to lie down in the grass for half an hour and just take it all in. It's nice to not rush through here but in the summer the best time to come is in the morning. We were there in the later afternoon, it was very hot but the place offers little umbrellas to walk the gardens. Perfect! We will be back.
Written 11 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katrina Nel
Somerset East, South Africa307 contributions
Mar 2022 • Family
Ive always wanted to see the Dylan Lewis garden because I love his sculptures especially the wild cats. What an awesome experience- well sculpted garden that makes space for the sculptures and incorporates the stunning views of the bay and the mountains
a well thought out experience
not suitable for people with walking disabilities and booking is essential.
We thought we could go to the café on sight for breakfast but although the coffee was good the shop is a bit of a let down.
the highlight of the walk was the hidden passage that leads to an old reservoir.
The walk ends off with a cold face cloth that is given to you to wipe your neck and face - such a simple gesture and well appreciated
a well thought out experience
not suitable for people with walking disabilities and booking is essential.
We thought we could go to the café on sight for breakfast but although the coffee was good the shop is a bit of a let down.
the highlight of the walk was the hidden passage that leads to an old reservoir.
The walk ends off with a cold face cloth that is given to you to wipe your neck and face - such a simple gesture and well appreciated
Written 27 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tannietwee
Caterham, UK58 contributions
Apr 2022
The gardens are beautiful. So many different textures and the way that they have been sculpted in places leaves you wondering how they did it. The sculptures are magnificent and when you look at them from different angles you get a different interpretation each time. The walk is only only 2km long and it is up and down but it is not too taxing as long as you are mobile. It is a great place to sit and contemplate as the views are just stunning. I would love to go back if we are in the area again.
Written 17 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barbara O
Boston, MA285 contributions
Sept 2022
While in Stellenbosch, I made the short drive out to the Dylan Lewis Sculpture Gardens. If you are a fan of sculpture, gardens, and mountain views, you will be thrilled to visit the gardens. You can walk at your leisure around the pond, each sculpture is numbered and you will receive a map. There are also art pieces and smaller sculptures in the galleries leading to the gardens, as well as a small cafe with delicious pastries, coffee, tea, and lemonade. If you want to take good photos, be sure to take the time of day into consideration.
Written 2 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
knoesenm
Cape Town Central, South Africa689 contributions
Nov 2022
Having to make an appointment to visit this place, adds to the appeal - because you know it won't be overcrowded!
From the moment you enter the first access gate you know you are in for a surprise. The way these magnificent sculptures were placed in the vast garden area adds to the wonder of each art piece. Some of the pieces are absolutely ginormous!
The coffee/tea room is not particularly large nor serves a wide variety of items, but is suitable.
From the moment you enter the first access gate you know you are in for a surprise. The way these magnificent sculptures were placed in the vast garden area adds to the wonder of each art piece. Some of the pieces are absolutely ginormous!
The coffee/tea room is not particularly large nor serves a wide variety of items, but is suitable.
Written 8 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
R150 ($5) for self guided tour
R1000 ($35) for 1-10 guests private guided tour
Great info on website!
Written 24 September 2019
February - as a bit cooler and less visitors, 2 - 3 hours needed.
Written 5 September 2018
When is the best time to visit - November/December or February and how long in advance must one book.
Written 23 July 2018
We went in early February and it was lovely. We just emailed them the day before to book it and got in without a problem. Enjoy.
Written 26 July 2018
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