Light and Art Fusion: Chicago Botanic Garden's Spectacular Display

Lilies," created by UK artist Jigantics, float on the Chicago Botanic Garden's surface, with an illuminated tree rising above them.Photo byCharles Rex Arbogast

The Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, Illinois, hosts its fifth annual holiday spectacle, Lightscape, drawing visitors worldwide. Families comprising various generations stroll through the 1.3-mile attraction, meandering amidst 22 captivating light installations crafted by local and global artists. These stunning displays illuminate the established gardens around the Great Basin, spanning the heart of the garden’s expansive 385 acres.

Among the mesmerizing highlights are the “Electric Ribbon Tunnel” by Culture Creative, the enchanting “Sea of Light” by UK artist Ithaca, boasting 4,800 individually controlled LED light balls, and “Lilies” by UK artist Jigantics, featuring 22 radiant 5-foot lilies that adorn the dark expanse of the Great Basin. The dazzling “Laser Lake” projects a vibrant spectrum of light, creating an ethereal dance across the Great Basin.

A beloved favourite among visitors is the “Winter Cathedral,” an awe-inspiring display composed of an archway glowing with 100,000 lights, extending along a 110-foot tunnel that serves as the culmination of this enchanting journey.