Spheres and Circles Resonate in February Snow outside South Station, Boston (L) Celestial Garden by Lucion, (R) Dewey Square Hatchling with Jeffrey Gibson’s mural in background )

Enticing, exciting, and engaging, Celestial Garden is one of fifteen artworks installed for WINTERACTIVE 2025 through March 30. Celestial Garden’s graceful interplay of music, motion, and mystery invited me to circle around the largest sphere and peer through the portals at the shifting scenes inside. I’m eager to return and to visit other WINTERACTIVE art as well! Quotes and links in this post offer information and perspective to guide you through a rewarding experience.

“Celestial Garden features four white orbs that are illuminated each night to showcase a mesmerizing light show set to music. The largest orb features a shadow theater which viewers can enjoy from afar (as it projects onto the orb itself). Viewers can also engage with the shadow theater through portals located around the structure. These small windows reveal a glimpse into the magical landscape within.” (quote from Rose Kennedy Greenway, Winteractive, Celestial Garden)

“Around the sphere, visitors will discover a spectacle of light and shadow. Whether you’re curious, a dreamer or an art lover, Celestial Garden is an invitation to explore a universe where your imagination becomes the key to revealing the magic hidden behind every shadow. Discover this luminous and poetic work, at the crossroads of nature and fantasy, for an unforgettable experience in the heart of the city.” ( quote from Winteractive, Celestial Garden by Lucion )

“Immerse yourself in the magical world of Celestial Garden, a unique artistic installation that illuminates the heart of Boston. In a giant sphere 30 feet in diameter, a fantastical garden comes to life, blending sky, land and sea. This immersive space is home to fantastic plants and creatures, created from cut-outs painted with fluorescent colours that light up under the black light as soon as night falls.” ( quote from Winteractive, Celestial Garden by Lucion )

“Founded in 2000 by Bernard Duguay, Lucion is a firm that creates experiences for entertainment, culture and public institutions. Its creative team includes visual artists, set designers, musicians, video artists, scriptwriters and interactive media specialists.“( quote from Lucion, about)

“Our philosophy: Lucion offers a new perspective on the world, promoting a holistic understanding rather than just moments of digital bliss. We highlight the complex connections between our molecules, our thoughts and our neighbours.“( quote from Lucion, about)

“WINTERACTIVE: Downtown Boston’s Outdoor Winter Art Exhibition, January 15–March 30, 2025; Join us for the second year of WINTERACTIVE, a free, walkable art experience featuring more than 15 artworks and interactive play elements, presented by the Downtown Boston Alliance. Inspired by the vibrant winter festivals and art exhibitions of our neighbors in the province of Québec in Canada, we invite you to embrace the joy of winter as you stroll the streets of Downtown Boston. …” ( quote from WINTERACTIVE )

KEY RESOURCES:

WINTERACTIVE: https://www.winteractive.org/, listing all 15 artworks, photos and map

Lucion: https://lucion.ca/portfolio/

Rose Kennedy Greenway, Public Art: https://www.rosekennedygreenway.org/art/

Celestial Garden: https://www.rosekennedygreenway.org/winteractive-celestial-garden