This year’s holiday light spectacular at Navy Pier, redubbed Light Up The Lake no through January 7th, will unleash visitors’ creativity with the debut of two new, massive interactive, high-tech art installations. Optik and Roseaux are the brainchildren of Québec-based Creos, a global firm dedicated to creating human connections through art and technology, while transforming public spaces into must-see experiences.
The installations are a part of a partnership with the Québec Government Office in Chicago. The Québec Government Office in Chicago represents the Québec government in 12 states across the Midwest. This mandate involves working on a wide range of commercial, economic, political, environmental, and cultural matters of interest to Québec and this region of the United States.
Optik centers around 10 illuminated 6-ft. tall, gyroscope-like forms that reflect and refract light in ever-changing combinations when rotated. Located outside Navy Pier’s main entrance at the Fountain in Polk Bros Park and open free to the public, the interactive installation will invite guests to play with their surroundings, both physically and philosophically, creating new points of view on their daily environment.
“Navy Pier is excited to welcome the interactive Optik and Roseaux installations, which allow guests to bisect the arts and sciences,” said Navy Pier President and CEO Marilynn Gardner. “These engaging exhibits demonstrate how we each can manipulate our environment through light and sound, while sparking creative exchanges with other guests who are bringing their own visions to life. This playful activity spurs social connection. It’s perfectly suited to the People’s Pier.”
“The Québec Government Office in Chicago is proud of the longstanding partnership we have with Navy Pier highlighting the creativity and expertise of our innovative Québec artists here in Chicago and the world stage,” stated Québec Delegate to the Midwest, Mario Limoges.
Through movement and reflection of light, Optik’s colorful units encourage visitors to engage with the next unit in the sequence and other people within the space, sparking spontaneous conversations, dance parties, jam sessions, light shows, and ultimately, a chance to see each and everyone’s true color. The experience is raised to another level as sound joins the rhythmical effort, turning each unit into a different musical instrument.
To be located inside the Light Up The Lake experience, Roseaux is described as a playfully “particip’active” walk through a field. The installation is composed of 12 individual, illuminated reeds that rise into the sky. As guests activate the reeds by stepping on sensors at their base, they rhythmically propel myriad colors up the stem.
Alone or in a group, the fun and exciting race begins to give the reeds a single, solid color. The visual parade, punctuated by a vibrant soundscape, creates an energizing sensory experience. In standby mode, gently pulsing light and sound beckon users to activate the reeds and give the space a dreamlike ambiance. Participation in Roseaux requires a Light Up The Lake ticket.
Light Up The Lake is the Chicago area’s largest indoor lights experience. Single tickets start at $15 for a child, $27 for an adult, depending on the day. Every ticket comes with access to the Roseaux interactive art installation, a free ride on the Centennial Wheel, stomp light activity, reflecting pond, birch tree forest, light sculptures, ice skating, skate rentals, and visits with Santa.
Note: All activities and dates are subject to change.
ABOUT CREOS
The art of bringing art to the world. Creos’ mission is to democratize public art by traveling with these installations in order to increase their influence all over the world by transforming public spaces into must-see destinations! Recognized as an international leader in its field, Creos acts as an active liaison between managers, developers, creators, and distributors of public art around the world. Creos offers a diverse portfolio of installations tailored to venues, offering visitors a unique and memorable sensory and interactive experience. For more information, visit https://www.creos.io/en/.
ABOUT NAVY PIER
Located on Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is the top nonprofit tourism destination in the Midwest, stretching more than six city blocks and typically welcoming nearly 9 million annual guests. Originally opened in 1916 as a shipping and recreation facility, this Chicago landmark showcases more than 50 acres of parks, restaurants, attractions, retail shops, sightseeing and dining cruise boats, exposition facilities and more. The Pier celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2016 with the unveiling of the iconic Centennial Wheel, Polk Bros Park, Fifth Third Bank Family Pavilion and Peoples Energy Welcome Pavilion. In 2021, Navy Pier continued to usher in its second century with ongoing Pier-wide redevelopment efforts—including Sable, a 223-room Hilton hotel, new restaurants and partnerships, and thrilling additions to Pier Park. The Pier is also proud to continue providing free, year-round arts and cultural programming designed to inspire, educate and connect communities across the city and globe. Click here to donate to Navy Pier, a mission-driven 501(c)(3) organization, in support of the organization’s post-pandemic revival and free public programming. For more information, visit www.navypier.org.