LA Arboretum opens Lightscape installation for the holidays heres what to know

June 2024 · 7 minute read

With 17 miles of cable powering about a million lights along a mile-long route, things are going to get lit for the holidays at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden.

Part of the 127-acre venue will be transformed into an illuminated garden thanks to the traveling installation called Lightscape, which previously ran in London and Chicago and made its local debut at the Arboretum Nov. 12. It will run through Jan. 16.

“It’s an immersive light experience where you have technology meeting nature’s beauty in the form of the incredible botanical diversity of this place,” said Richard Schulhof, CEO of the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden.

The walk-through event is made up of several installations coupled with music and special effects, and here are some of the highlights in the order you’ll see them as you walk through Lightscape.

The original light

While Lightscape is made up of hundreds of thousands of lights, fire is used to create one of the most impressive displays on the route. The Fire Garden is made up of dozens of silver tin cans that are set on poles or on circular structures that look like jungle gyms. Flames rise from each can, creating a tranquil and almost meditative atmosphere. “Fire is the most primitive form of light,” said Joni Marks, chief development officer at Raymond Gubbay Ltd., who created Lightscape about a decade ago. “I think this is a very contemplative place,” he said.

Singing trees

If there was a grand entrance to an enchanted forest it would be this installation. It’s made up of 12 tall Redwood trees whose trunks have been wrapped in multi-color LED lights. The lights respond to recordings of angelic singing voices and rise and drop with each note, creating an arboreal choir.

Giant flower field

While this field is made up of 50 blooms, what makes this a giant flower field is the size of these flowers, since they’re about 20-feet-tall. They’re illuminated by bright red, white and yellow lights that make them appear as though they’re made of fire. Walking through the path on the field will make you feel like a tiny fairy looking up at your magical garden.

The church of love

One of the most romantic and jaw-dropping spots on the route is the Cathedral of Light, which is a tunnel installation shaped like arched windows found in churches. It’s made up of more than 100,000 tiny white LED globes. According to Marks this installation has become a popular spot for proposals in other places where Lightscape has been held. “I’m pushing for L.A. because last year in Chicago we had 50 proposals so I reckon L.A. can beat that this year,” he said.

Field of light

The grand finale of Lightscape is a pretty grand display of lights and music. Thousands of lights placed on the ground in front of a fountain light up and turn on and off in sync to classical music in a rainbow of colors to form this field of lights.

Lightscape

When: 5:30 p.m.-8:45 p.m. Nov. 12-Jan. 16

Where: Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia

Tickets: $30-$32 for adults; and $18-$20 for kids 3-12.

Information: arboretum.org

This post first appeared on ocregister.com

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