Staircase illusion elevates Christchurch gardens

  • 27/09/2016
Staircase illusion elevates Christchurch gardens

Art curators have installed a metal staircase in a pond at Christchurch's Botanic Gardens.

The work, by Auckland sculptor David McCracken, tapers slowly upwards, creating an illusion of a staircase stretching endlessly into the sky.

It's part of the SCAPE Public Art event running in the city for the next six weeks.

SCAPE Public Art director Deborah McCormick is expecting tens of thousands of people to view the art across the central city until the exhibition closes in Janurary.

"It's a staircase that is essentially going up into the sky, so whatever your belief it might be to heaven," she says.

Staircase illusion elevates Christchurch gardens

The piece, which is for sale, has also been shown in Sydney and on Waiheke Island.

Newshub.