What is ZimSculpt?
ZimSculpt is a world-renowned traveling exhibition celebrating modern Zimbabwean stone sculpture. The exhibition comes to North America just once each year, selecting a single botanical garden to host and showcase these extraordinary works.
Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens has had the rare honor of being selected twice—in 2022 and again in 2025—bringing this internationally recognized exhibition to Southwest Florida.
Background
ZimSculpt is based in the capital of Zimbabwe, Harare, and represents an artist collective of roughly one hundred sculptors.
Fair trade is valued: all sculptures have been ethically sourced and the artists are always fairly compensated for their talent.
The sculptures have a striking style that is unique to the Shona tribe of southern Africa. The art is carved from various types of serpentine and semi-precious stone, often weighing tons and reaching heights of up to seven feet.
Not Your Average Art Installation
ZimSculpt is a unique showcase in which everything in the exhibition is available for purchase. Along with the large outdoor sculptures installed around the Gardens, the exhibition features hundreds of unique pieces, trinkets, traditional baskets, and jewelry pieces in a dedicated Marketplace tent.
The event also features art sessions and demonstrations, and extra special events like the African Dance Classes in 2025.
Several artists travel with the exhibition to demonstrate their work, answer questions, and connect with visitors. Passmore Mupindiko, an artist who accompanied both the 2022 and 2025 shows, was surprised and delighted when a local group organized an excursion from Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens to Bonnet House Museum & Gardens to visit him during the 2026 ZimSculpt exhibition.
When ZimSculpt Was at the Gardens
Zimsculpt was available to view (and shop) seven days a week during open hours, from 9 am to 4 pm. Both the 2022 and 2025 exhibits took place from early February to late April.
Will ZimSculpt Return to Peace River Gardens?
ZimSculpt rotates between botanical gardens across North America, making repeat appearances at the same location relatively uncommon. Even if they do not return, the Gardens will always have the uncommon distinction of hosting this internationally renowned exhibition twice.
While ZimSculpt is no longer on display, Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens continues to host rotating exhibits and seasonal experiences, making it a worthwhile destination year-round.
