Around 11 am, my jet-lagged eyes saw the October morning brimming with autumnal lights for the first time in Berlin. Summer had trickled into autumn, unlike California, from where I boarded the flight two days back. I treated myself with a cup of coffee and sat down to peep into the city from my hotel window. It almost felt like a Facebook feed because of its continuously changing scenes. Then I decided to open the window a little and instantly the city came alive. The aroma from the Pizza shop, the sound of laughter and conversations, and the people made it real and intimate, unlike the virtual world. The open streets that I could see from above have an allure that’s hard to avoid. Therefore, without wasting much time, I quickly planned to see the ongoing Festival of Lights in Berlin, Germany and walk the history-filled roads of Berlin.
I treated myself with a cup of coffee and sat down to peep into the city from my hotel window. It almost felt like a Facebook feed because of its continuously changing scenes. #Travel Click To Tweet The open streets that I could see from above have an allure that's hard to avoid. Therefore, without wasting much time, I quickly planned to see the ongoing Festival of Lights in Berlin, Germany and walk the history-filled roads of… Click To TweetMy journey began with an autumnal sunset
After resting a bit, around 5:30 pm, I opened the curtain of our hotel window and saw the Berlin TV tower shining in the golden sunset. The color of the sunset was akin to a cappuccino with extra milk. I slipped into my carefree girlishness, opened the window wide open without caring the cold and captured the light; my first picture of autumnal Berlin.
After the sunset, a gorgeous evening arrived along with a melodious tune. I tried to find out the source of the sound and realized the sound was coming from the Naturkunde Museum a few steps away from our hotel. After further analyzing, I understood that the sound was part of the Festival of Lights. Without waiting any more, I headed towards the Naturkunde Museum (Natural History Museum), our first stop to witness the festival of lights in Berlin.
Festival of Lights in Berlin
Each year in October, when the fall colors decorate the beautiful city of Berlin during the day, light installations on Berlin landmarks decorate the city at night. Historical places, streets, squares, trendy neighborhoods and hotspots of recent history in Berlin become a vast stage and light art the main protagonist. Expressions through light art and sound commingle with Berlin landmarks and tell the story of Berlin’s art, science, and history. Undoubtedly the Festival of Lights in Berlin in its own right is becoming one of the best known light art festivals in the world.
Each year in October, when the fall colors decorate the beautiful city of Berlin during the day, light installations on Berlin landmarks decorate the city at night. #Travel Click To Tweet
My favorite is this flowery dress!
Festival of Lights in Naturkunde Museum, Berlin
Naturkunde Museum came to life during the festival nights in a four-minute 3D video mapping. The main actor was Tristan Otto, a Tyrannosaurus.
He introduced the guests of the festival to his roommates. The show focused on the fascination and beauty of nature and gave a glimpse into the secrets of evolution.
Festival of Lights in Sinking Wall sculpture fountain in Invalidenpark, Berlin
Our next stop was the Sinking Wall sculpture fountain in Invalidenpark, a few steps from Naturkunde Museum. The art installation here was laden with history. Two soldiers and a child look through a hole in the Sinking Wall sculpture in Invalidenpark. The Berlin wall which was once a reality and now a distant mistake and a chilling reminder that the path to freedom was hard-earned. Let there be unity, dear Europe! Embrace and enlighten.
Let there be unity, dear Europe! Embrace and enlighten. #Travel Click To Tweet
Festival of Lights in Bebelplatz square, Berlin
European squares attract me always. People put all the energy into it with their dynamic presence and make it magical. And imagine, when one such square lights up brightly at night with classical music in the background, how would it be? Although futile, I will try to describe Bebelplatz square during the Festival of Lights with a few photographs.
ropean squares attract me always. People put all the energy into it with their dynamic presence and make it magical. #Travel Click To TweetHumboldt University Law Faculty
It was raining when I arrived in Bebelplatz square that evening. The blue light against the dark sky looked spectacular. I realized that in this era, where lights, sound, and video play a dominant role in our daily lives, perhaps such light art displays are just a natural evolution of art done with paint and brush.
I realized that in this era, where lights, sound, and video play a dominant role in our daily lives, perhaps such light art displays are just a natural evolution of art done with paint and brush. #Travel Click To Tweet
Hotel de Rome on Bebelplatz square
If you visit Berlin during the festival of lights, don’t miss Bebelplatz square. This place provides a platform for international artists to show their work. I was delighted to see the beautiful projections on the Hotel de Rome’s facade by renowned street artists from fourteen countries. The theme was “free your energy” It’s all accompanied by classical music.
I especially liked this work of an artist from the United Kingdom
St. Hedwig’s Cathedral
The artwork display here is based on the theme – “Freedom of life”. In the middle, the tree of life is anchored in the ground, yet free in its extension. Such a profound message!
Festival of Lights in Humboldt University, Berlin
When I was walking to see the illumination at Humboldt University, my mind created a strange connection with a festival in West Bengal, called Durga Puja. During the Durga Puja, we too walk from one place to another to see various artwork based on different themes, to celebrate the return of goddess Durga from heaven to earth for ten days. Different cultures, different countries, and yet a connection that my brain created was not out of a vacuum. Art connects and creativity expresses our profound connections to nature, culture, and human beings.
Art connects and creativity expresses our profound connections to nature, culture and human beings. #Travel Click To Tweet
Festival of Lights in Brandenburger Tor, Berlin
While standing amidst thousands of people and watching a fabulous short video projection on Brandenburger Tor, I basked in the realm of inspiration and hope. A major theme this year was the 30 year commemoration of the fall of the Berlin wall, which passed right in front of the Tor.
While standing amidst thousands of people and watching a fabulous short video projection on Brandenburger Tor, I basked in the realm of inspiration and hope. #Travel Click To Tweet
Festival of Lights in Konzerthaus, Berlin
When I reached Konzerthaus in Berlin and saw an amazing fire dance, my brain again made a quick connection to Diwali, an Indian festival. In India, Diwali is referred to as the festival of lights. We light up clay candles and decorate our houses during Diwali. Every big and small corner in India shines brightly in Diwali.
As age and our experiences increase, our brain connects past and present, events, countries, and seasons that eventually realization, knowledge, and wisdom become the sweet rewards; immaterial yet valuable!
As age and our experiences increase, our brain connects past and present, events, countries and seasons that eventually realization, knowledge, and wisdom become the sweet rewards; immaterial yet valuable! #Travel Click To Tweet
Although the fundamental principles of life remain the same everywhere, celebrations vary. The environment plays such an extraordinary role to shape these celebrations. Our creative expressions of these celebrations vary too. How dearly I wish this diversity to stay for future generations too. Let there be surprises and unknowns. But I feel my dream is going to rest in oblivion forever especially in this present digital era and mass-market economy.
Although the fundamental principles of life remain the same everywhere, celebrations vary. The environment plays such an extraordinary role to shape these celebrations. #Travel Click To Tweet
Let there be light!
Here are a few more shots from the festival of lights in Berlin, Germany!
Travel Realizations
Never before this event, I met history in this manner. Old buildings and landmarks in Berlin told me their stories. It was as if, the city itself took the role of the storyteller. I went with the crowd and dwelled in solidarity. Under the velvet black infinity, I met history, art, and lights. This light festival is an experience that I found deeply interesting and satisfying. If you plan a visit to Berlin around October, let the festival of lights charm you.
Under the velvet black infinity, meet history, art, and lights. #Travel #Berlin #Germany Click To Tweet Never before this event, I met history in this manner. Old buildings and landmarks in Berlin told me their stories. It was as if, the city itself took the role of the storyteller. #Travel Click To Tweet
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Anna
I love the festival of lights in Berlin! I used to live there and found it a very nice occasion to go out on an already cold night to the city. You’ve taken wonderful pictures!
Slavka
What an experience! Light and music shows on famous buildings are so beautiful! A great way to add tons of joy into dark winter nights.