Swarovski Crystal Worlds – Redesign 2007

The Swarovski Crystal Worlds is among the most popular tourist spots in Austria. As part of the redevelopment of the Chambers of Wonder in 2007, additional highly appealing attractions were conceptualised and installed, which work with spatial scenarios and striking multimedia elements. In the section entitled "La Primadonna Assoluta", the visitor meets Jessye Norman, who can be seen in a performance in the Crystal Dome. The high-quality audio and video presentation gives the spectator the feeling of being in the middle of a live performance of the final aria from Henry Purcell's "Dido and Aeneas". In the passageway leading from this section, a stylised subaquatic world is presented in "Poseidon's Puzzle". Lamellae, arranged in perspective, draw visitors onwards with light and sound compositions. With every step taken across a bridge, the world of images is transformed and the acoustic impression changes. Brian Eno's "55 Million Paintings by Brian Eno" shows the technical implementation of a concept developed by the artist, a generative artwork formed of image and sound sequences constantly re-assembling themselves into new configurations. The section "Reflections" is staged as a crystalline kaleidoscope, demonstrating the organising principles of micro- and macrocosm. A sophisticated lighting control system and a 16-channel sound installation create a walk-in multimedia stage for the visitor. Various themes are played out in the form of images, graphics, illustrations, mirror and filmed animations on a total of 48 polyhedra and more than 300 screens.