Chicago, Illinois
Lucent: A Celestial Map of the Northern Stars
Chicago, Illinois, United States
By the Wicked Cool Places editors · Published
Why it’s cool
This thirteen foot sculpture uses over three thousand hand blown bulbs to create a three dimensional map of every star visible in the northern night sky.
Suspended in the lobby of the John Hancock Building, a massive glowing orb brings the celestial wonders of the night sky down to eye level. This installation, titled Lucent, takes its name from the Latin word for shining.
It serves as a physical representation of the cosmos, providing a tangible way to experience the vastness of space within an urban architectural setting.
Why It Stands Out
Created by artist Wolfgang Buttress in collaboration with astrophysicist Dr. Daniel Bayliss, the sculpture is a precise scientific record rendered in light.
It consists of 3,115 individual glass bulbs, a number that corresponds exactly to the stars in the Northern Hemisphere that can be seen without the aid of a telescope. Each of these spheres was hand blown at a studio in Chicago and is powered by blue fiber optic cables.
The installation is designed to create a sense of infinite space. By positioning the thirteen foot sculpture between a mirrored ceiling and a reflecting pool on the floor, the light is echoed and multiplied.
This arrangement makes the points of light appear to stretch forever in both directions, mimicking the depth of the actual universe. The goal of the piece is to evoke the same sense of awe one feels when looking up at a clear night sky, even while standing in the middle of a busy city.
Before You Go
You can find this installation inside the ground floor lobby of the John Hancock Center. It is accessible to the public and does not require a ticket to the observation deck to view.
Another way to look at the city is from the Willis Tower Glass Platform. Because the sculpture relies on light and reflections, it is particularly striking after sunset when the glow from the fiber optics is most prominent against the interior shadows of the building.
Questions worth answering
Where is the sculpture located?
You'll find it on the ground floor inside the John Hancock Center. It sits right in the lobby.
Do I need to pay for a ticket to see it?
Access is free to the public. You don't have to buy a pass for the observation deck to walk in and look.
What makes the light display feel so large?
The piece is thirteen feet wide and sits between a mirrored ceiling and a pool. These reflections make the three thousand bulbs look like they go on forever.
When is the best time to visit?
Wait until the sun goes down. The fiber optic glow stands out best against the shadows of the building at night.
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