Berlin: Festival of Lights

Thirty buildings, landmarks and squares in the heart of Berlin have been transformed into an enchanted world. The glowing results can be seen through October 18th.

Events like this performance by a dancer in a costume of light as well as workshops on creating with light promise to turn the 11th edition of this festival into a shining synthesis of the arts.

Artist Thierry Noir made his name with his paintings on the Berlin Wall. Now he’s painted his idiosyncratic faces on the Brandenburg Gate and Berlin Cathedral in light.

The Festival of Lights Award is to be presented for the first time this year. Each evening, the six finalists from six countries put on a 25-minute show with the Brandenburg Gate as backdrop. The spectators cast their votes per text message.

The Humboldt University turns pink! For 10 days, artists and designers, alone and in teams, will paint the town red and many other colors. Over two million spectators will be on hand to witness their personal stories and messages.

This year, various artists will be illuminating different buildings inspired by the theme "50 Years of German-Israeli Relations." Shown here is the façade of the Palais am Festungsgraben.

The "House of Cards" shining bright on Potsdamer Platz is the contribution of German-Israeli artists from the firm OGE Creative Group.

With over two million visitors, 650,000 additional overnight stays and close to one billion media contacts, the Festival of Light has grown to become a major tourist and economic factor for Berlin. It has taken its place alongside festivals in Lyon, Sydney, Moscow and Eindhoven as one of the biggest and best known light art festivals in the world.