Nightscape: A Light & Sound Experience

14 Jul

I was invited to visit Longwood Gardens to take a look at their new installation, Nightscape. I wasn’t sure what to expect since all I had heard about it beforehand was that they were projecting light onto the plant material.

What I was about to experience was something I couldn’t image in a million years. Nightscape is a project that’s been in the making for over two years and I truly feel like it will blow your mind.

A little back story:

Longwood Gardens is totally redoing their Main Fountain Garden and while they do that there will be no firework shows. If you’ve never seen a Longwood fireworks display you have really been missing out.

Until construction on the Main Fountain Garden is completed and fireworks can resume, Longwood Gardens wanted to offer visitors something equally, if not more fascinating. I have to say they really hit the nail on the head with Nightscape, this is an experience like no other.

The entire installation was designed by the geniuses at Klip Collective, a visual art shop out of Philadelphia and this is their first garden display. If you ask me they nailed it on their first try.

What is it?:

Nightscape: A Light & Sound Experience is just that, an experience. Using the plants and beautiful landscape of Longwood Gardens, lights and original music will move you. There are nine site-specific locations, each of them using the light and sound in different ways. As you make your way through the gardens each experience has something new and exciting to offer.

Obviously this is something that is seen at night since it needs to be dark to see the lights.

Nightscape has more than lights to offer. While you’re there enjoying the lights, be sure to stop by the Beer Garden that features Victory Brewing Company beers.

Special events at Longwood Gardens tend to get busy and much like A Longwood Christmas you will need to purchase your tickets ahead of time. The installation is free to members but even the members will have to make a reservation to enjoy Nightscape. From now until October 31st you can enjoy the lights Wednesday through Saturday from 6pm to 11pm. Check the website for more details on times and tickets.

My thoughts:

Nightscape is something that you’re meant to experience. Photos can’t really do this installation justice so leave your camera behind and just enjoy the show. These lights are best seen with both eyes open, not looking through the viewfinder of your camera or on the screen of your phone. When your eyes are fully adjusted to the dark is the best way to enjoy Nightscape. Soak in the experience.

My advice would be to get to the gardens early, enjoy a dinner or a snack at the restaurant and of course enjoy the beer garden before the lights come on. From there I’d choose to do everything in the conservatory or everything outside, don’t go outside then go inside then go back outside again. Like I mentioned before, the lights are better seen when your eyes are used to the dark and not all of the conservatory is part of the installation.

Here’s a short video of what you can expect to see. Video was provided courtesy of Turf Republic.