Giant Human-Like Statues To Take Over Morton Arboretum

LISLE, IL — Morton Arboretum's newest exhibit, Human + Nature, opens April 9 with stories-tall statues that incorporate elements of nature to depict the link between people, trees and other elements of nature. Created by South African artist Daniel Popper, Human + Nature's five sculptures are made with wood, roots, greenery and glass-reinforced concrete and stretch as high as 26-feet tall throughout the arboretum grounds.

Morton Arboretum bills the upcoming exhibit as Popper's largest to date. The featured sculptures, created specifically for the exhibit, include intertwined roots that depict two joined hands, a towering maternal figure and a female figure that you can walk to as if you were stepping "into the heart of nature," according to a news release.

Related: Giant Statue Exhibit To Open At Morton Arboretum

In a statement, Morton Arboretum CEO Gerard T. Donnelly, Ph.D. said, "The sculptures are designed to inspire visitors to think about how people and trees are interdependent. People depend on trees for health and well-being, and trees depend on people to be able to thrive and provide their ample benefits."

A timed-entry pass to the arboretum is required to attend Human + Nature. Morton Arboretum members can order timed-entry passes for the event as of March 1. Timed tickets will be available to the public starting March 15.