Sculptpedia Statues, Busts and Sculptures Park sculptures and installations Ancient World & Antiquity Middle Ages & Renaissance Marble & Other Stones Bronze & Other Metals

The Chalice

The Chalice, also sometimes called Millennium Cone, is a steel and aluminium sculpture in Cathedral Square in Christchurch, New Zealand. It stands beside the damaged Christ Church Cathedral and is considered one of the city’s landmarks. The work was commissioned to mark the 150th anniversary of Christchurch and the Canterbury region in 2001. Designed by New Zealand artist and sculptor Neil Dawson, it was inaugurated on 10 September 2001, when the interior floodlights were first switched on. The sculpture features 42 aluminium leaves representing native tree species set into a hexagonal steel framework. It is painted blue inside and silver outside, and is illuminated from both inside and out at night.

The Chalice metal sculpture rising against a blue sky in Christchurch, with modern buildings behind it.
The Chalice stands outdoors in Christchurch, its open metal form set against nearby buildings and clear sky.
November 2006 © · CC BY 2.0
The Chalice stands in a tiled public square with buildings and trees around it, seen from above.
The Chalice rises from a tiled plaza in the city center, viewed from a high angle.
January 2007 © · CC BY 2.0
The Chalice sculpture stands in the background on the right, with a tall inverted cone shape and geometric pattern against a blue sky.
The Chalice rises in an open paved area on a clear day in Christchurch.
July 2013 © · CC BY-SA 2.0
The Chalice rises in the background behind a low white barrier in Cathedral Square, with several people standing nearby.
The Chalice stands in Cathedral Square behind a white barrier, near a small group of people.
August 2013 © · CC BY-SA 2.0
The Chalice sculpture in a public square with a crowd gathered around its base, carrying colorful banners and signs.
The Chalice stands in Christchurch as a crowd gathers around it during a daytime demonstration.
April 2024 © · CC BY-SA 4.0

Identification

TitleThe Chalice
Alternative nameMillennium Cone
TypeSculpture

Historical context

Commissioned forThe 150th anniversary celebration of Christchurch and the Canterbury region
Installed2001
Inauguration date10 September 2001
Inauguration methodOpened with the first switching on of the floodlights inside
Original cost$400,000

Creator

OccupationNew Zealand artist and sculptor
DesignerNeil Dawson

Physical characteristics

ShapeConical
Height18 meters
Base diameter2 meters
Upper rim diameter8.5 meters
Base ringSix-segment dark granite ring, 3 meters in diameter

Materials

Primary materialsSteel and aluminum
StructureSteel skeleton built from hexagonal honeycombs with 42 aluminum leaves incorporated into it

Appearance

LightingIlluminated from inside and outside at night
Interior colorBlue
Exterior colorSilver

Iconography and meaning

Represented tree speciesMapou, kōwhai, māhoe, tōtara, kāramu, tī kōuka, ngāio, mārātata, and koromiko
SymbolismIntended to connect the sculpture with Christchurch’s nickname "Garden City"
Design inspirationThe shape was intended to reflect the spire of Christ Church Cathedral
Decorative motifLeaves of native New Zealand plants

Location and ownership

LocationCathedral Square, Christchurch, New Zealand
Landmark statusA landmark of Christchurch, together with the earthquake-damaged Christ Church Cathedral

History and restoration

Restoration start dateMarch 2025
Restoration approvalPart of the council's long-term plan and approved by a delegated authority
Restoration workLeaves temporarily removed for repainting; scaffolding placed around the structure; sculpture wrapped to protect it from dust and weather; lighting replaced; corrosion fixed
Restoration budget$400,000
Nickname meaning"Abluftschacht einer unterirdischen Toilette"
Post-earthquake interpretationDawson said it could become a sign of recovery rather than a sign of the quake
Response to 2011 Christchurch earthquakeNot damaged, unlike other structures in Cathedral Square such as Christ Church Cathedral, which lost its spire
Response to September 11 attacksAfter the lighting ceremony, it became a place where local people placed flowers and messages for the victims
ReceptionChristchurch architect Peter Beaven called it "vent to an underground toilet"
Criticism of restorationChristchurch City councillor James Gough criticised the cost and called for an immediate halt, saying the funds would be better allocated to roads, footpaths, and essential core services