#FIRSTLOOK: “ANCHORBALL: A CURIOUS ART JOURNEY” AT ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS

Canada’s largest botanical garden will celebrate its 85th anniversary this summer with a major new art exhibition at a special discount. The immersive outdoor experience, ANCHORBALL: A Curious Art Journey at the Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG), was created by renowned artist and sculptor Ken Kelleher, commonly known as Anchorball, and runs from June 20 to September 20, 2026.

Internationally acclaimed, Kelleher has crafted landmark monuments for luxury hotels, botanical gardens, and cultural institutions across four continents, drawing comparisons to artists like KAWS for his unique blend of fine art, pop culture, and large-scale public installations. His latest exhibition not only helps RBG in Burlington, Ontario, celebrate its 85th anniversary, but also stands as his most ambitious statement to date. The show brings 18 monumental pop art statues—each with its imaginative narrative—into the garden’s natural landscape, creating an immersive experience for visitors. In addition to the physical sculptures, guests can discover hidden digital elements using their smartphones.

This expansive outdoor exhibition transforms the gardens into a vivid sculptural landscape where bold characters, inventive stories, and contemporary forms blend with nature. Now with the Canada Strong Pass, children 17 and under receive free daytime Garden Admission, and young adults ages 18–24 get 50 percent off until September 7, 2026.