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10 dazzling illuminations to see at Vivid Sydney
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The view of dazzling buildings at Circular Quay in Sydney, Australia, at night during Vivid Sydney 2016. (JP/Marguerite Afra Sapiie)
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or 23 consecutive nights, Vivid Sydney is back for the eighth year to dazzle the Australian city with more than 90 light installations and large-scale illuminations.
Dubbed as the world’s largest festival of light, music and ideas, the festival brings together more than 150 artists from 23 countries to design projections, 3D mapping and artworks to light up the city.
Every day until June 18, all iconic sites and urban spaces, from the Sydney Harbor Bridge, which for the first time ever will be illuminated with thousands of multicolored LEDs, to the regular precincts at Circular Quay, will sparkle like never before.
If you’re lucky enough to be traveling to Sydney while the festival is on, here are the ten top light installations and projections that you may want to visit or take a selfie at during your nights out in the city.
Lighting the Sails: Songlines
The large-projection at the Sydney Opera House, perhaps the city’s most iconic sight, is a must-see every year. For the eighth year, the site has been transformed into an animated canvas of Australian indigenous paintings made by six of the country's most-influential artists.
The displays depict Australia’s diverse cultures, providing visitors with a visual tapestry that weaves through time and distance.
Where: Sydney Opera House
When: starting from 6 p.m.
Cost: Free
Cathedral of Light
The 70-meter-long tunnel is inspired by a traditional arched church window, illuminated by tens of thousands of LED globes. It shines brightly in the dark not far from the Queen Elizabeth II Gate, the entrance to the Garden of Light.
Where: Royal Botanic Gardens
When: 6 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Cost: Free
The Matter of Painting
Western Sydney Artist Huseyin Sami and French artistic collective Danny Rose have collaborated to transform the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA) into a huge canvas, creating an illusion that the facade is being brushed, cut, carved and painted. According to Sami, the work explores the process of making art.
Where: The Rocks
When: 6 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Cost: Free
Light Rocket by Captain Starlight
Also made by Starlight Children's Foundation, the 15-meter rocket is dedicated to kids all over Australia. Inside, it consists of a giant kaleidoscope of light, mirrors and sound.
While enjoying the rocket itself is free, if you opt to purchase a Starlight Wand, you will make a big contribution to support seriously ill children and their families in the country.
Where: Circular Quay
When: 6 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Cost: Free
Be the Light for the Wild
As part of Taronga Zoo's centenary celebrations, Vivid Sydney is for the first time presenting 10 giant animal multimedia light sculptures. They represent critically endangered species that are set to be protected by the government such as the Sumatran tiger, sun bear and Asian elephant.
Where: Taronga Zoo, Bradleys Head Road
When: 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Cost: A$17.95 (US$13.4) for adults and $11.95 for children/concession. All purchases help the zoo's wildlife conservation efforts.
(Read also: Creativity glows over Vivid Sydney, its biggest light festival yet)
X-Factory
A thrilling sound and light show that depicts the concept of disruptive technology and the 'rise of the robot' brings the facade of the heritage-listed Carlton & United Brewery building back to animated life. It explores the idea of a great shift from human labor to intelligent machines.
Where: 28 Broadway, Chippendale
When: 5:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Cost: Free
Synthesis
This 3D-mapped projection explores the magic and history behind the heritage-listed Moreton Bay Fig Tree. With its multicolored patterns, Synthesis re-imagines the beauty of the natural environment.
Where: Royal Botanic Garden
When: 6 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Cost: Free
Sydney's Hidden Stories
The facade of the Customs House, which is a home to Sydney's main public library, features an adventurous blue-tongue lizard, who tells of his magical journey through the hidden landscapes of the city. The story spreads a message of sustainability to those who come to witness the wonder.
Where: 31 Alfred St, Circular Quay
When: 6 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Cost: Free
Laser-Dragon Water-Theater
The multimedia water theater is the world-first, water-screen mounted on a 13-meter robotic arm. Floating above 56 fountains and equipped with flame jets and powerful lasers, the moving water-screen assumes many forms, from ferocious dragons to the characters of commedia dell'arte.
Where: Cockle Bay, Darling Harbor
When: 6 p.m. - 11 p.m. (the show runs every half an hour)
Cost: Free
I Love You
When walking past the First Fleet Park, sudden shouts of "I love you" may cause visitors to blush. But there is no cause for anxiety, this is not a would-be suitor, but the “I Love You” installation.
The giant heart-shaped "Love-O-Meter" will only illuminate after couples declare their love for each other, creating a playful, interactive and often hilarious take on the expression of love. (kes)
Where: Circular Quay
When: 6 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Cost: Free
