Iwagumi Air Scape

A child in a purple jacket stands in a grassed area looking up at and touching a large inflatable rock structure.
  • Kids & Families
  • Experiences
  • Free
  • Wild Things
  • Forecourt

An interactive art experience

Australia

Wild Things invites audiences to explore a larger-than-life wild rock formation on the Sydney Opera House Forecourt. By day, visitors of all ages can wander through immense air-filled inflatables that appear as thousands of tonnes of rock. As the sun sets, the artwork transforms into a vibrant display of colour and light.

As children and families move through the installation, a gentle interactive soundscape is triggered, with the sounds of native birds, frogs and mountain streams responding to their presence.

Iwagumi Air Scape is an invitation to explore and reflect on the monumentality of nature and the earth and its connection to the city and its buildings. The installation pays homage to the Japanese artform of Iwagumi which translates to “rock formation” and relates to balance and harmony in nature. These series of boulders are more commonly associated with mountainous, wild landscapes, yet here they arrive at the Sydney Opera House.

Iwagumi Air Scape’s lights will remain on after each day of Wild Things activities, providing a luminous meeting place for audiences of all ages until 10pm each night.

Sydney Opera House presents Iwagumi Air Scape by ENESS

Event details

Iwagumi Air Scape is a monumental statement about reconnecting with nature, reminding urbanised humans of all ages…about the awe of the wilderness. 

Frame

Iwagumi is a beautiful opportunity for imaginative play and reflection of the power of nature. The size and presence of this installation is a big invitation to dream.

Why the Wild Things Festival curator loves this show

About ENESS

Founded in 1997, ENESS is a multi-award-winning art and technology studio. The multidisciplinary team explores the intersection between the virtual and the physical world in the creation of temporary and permanent interactive public art. Pioneers of new media art, ENESS artworks combine sculpture, textiles, design, furniture, software development, music and story.

Led by Artist and Founder Nimrod Weis, the team delves into the deeper potential of interactivity to form emotive responses from audiences and how to make art appeal to people of all ages and backgrounds. The studio’s style of work seduces viewers to get closer and experience unexpected curiosities, taking digital art installations out of the gallery and into the realm of public space.

The team’s work questions how we view cities and their spaces and share ways in which technology and art bond us together.  

ENESS believes in the power of providing art in everyday life that fires the imagination; that provides joy, happiness and beauty in unexpected places – transformational experiences that change lives. In this way the team are ‘happiness architects’, inspiring deeper moments between friends, family and community.

ENESS interactive installations are commissioned by urban and cultural precincts, festivals, galleries and museums of modern art worldwide.

Attending this event

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SWING

26 Sep – 11 Oct 2026

  • Kids & Families
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Plan your visit

Address

Sydney Opera House
Bennelong Point
Sydney NSW 2000
Australia

Getting to the venue

The Opera House is a 7-10 minute walk from Circular Quay, and is easily accessible by car, train, ferry, lightrail, bus, bike and on foot.

Location and access

Forecourt

Set below the famous white sails the Forecourt is located at the base of the Monumental Steps, between the Opera House and the Royal Botanic Gardens.

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