A MILLION SILENT STARS

Sitting in an isolated lush landscape of the Austrian Alps is the Swarovski Kristallwelten designed as a whole by three well-known firms- Snohetta, S_o_S Architects, and CAO PERROT Associates. The campus is an experience attraction curated by Andre Heller. The campus consists of The Giant, The Garden, and The Play area. If one must go look for a galaxy not so far far away, this place seems to have just the right number of millions of stars. Designed as an Ode to the Swarovski Crystal The company as it completes 100 years in crystal manufacturing, the museum has 17 chamber of wonders- each curated by a different artist in their style. These are a palate of multisensory experiences as one walks from chamber to chamber. Each chamber opens up to a new idea, new sense all the while displaying crystal interpretations of Salvador Dali, Brian Eno, Tord Boontje, Niki de Saint Phalle, Jim Whiting, Keith Haring, Andy Warhol, and Yayoi Kusama.

The crystal dome is inspired by Buckminster Fuller’s geodesic dome. In one more fascinating chamber hangs a bright orange crystal sun- the center of the solar system as well as this space. With only one light inside the crystal sun, it resembles closely to its inspiration. As the visitor proceeds, he is encountered in a world of emotions in the Indian accent and suddenly to the darker chamber depicting the contrast. This journey goes on for about 12 more chambers-crystals and more crystals. All this happens under a huge dome itself. Outside was the most interesting part of the experience. Called the Garden, it hosts crystal clouds over the black water, mirror pool. It is a circular shallow water feature with calm waters to witness the shimmer of the crystal clouds. These clouds are a structure of metal mesh laden with crystal depicting the Biblical story of the sea monster. It is truly surreal to stand in this vast landscape as Lilliput among Gulliver. As one travels, the campus is not only a celebration of precision-cut glass but also of the rich history of this part of Europe. It houses antiques, ruins excavated from the site itself dating back to the 3rd century Roman Empire.

The additions by Snohetta were the visitor’s center with stark concrete columns finished to look like pine tree trunks. The play area is a resting and interactive space for children including a labyrinth and a carousel. Upon visiting the Swarovski Museum, what amazed me was it didn’t look like the work of three separate entities. It all weaves together beautifully to create a sensorial affair of spaces, landscape, and art. I went as a witness of a simple crystal display lined up in glass cases but came out eyes gleaming of the majestic shiny museum of a million silent stars.

Personal Images clicked at The Garden, Swarovski Museum in 2019 with Nikon Coolpix L120.

-DHWANI SANGHVI