All Set For the Holidays: Trame di Luci Lights Up Rome's Botanical Garden

Posted by Rowena Dumlao Rowena Dumlao - Giardina 11/30/2024

All Set For the Holidays: Trame di Luci Lights Up Rome's Botanical Garden

The new edition of Trame di Luce opened at Rome's Botanical Garden with a dazzling preview featuring immersive light installations, music, and a celebratory toast at the Villaggio delle Luci. Organized by IMG and Be.it Events, the event features 22 luminous artworks created by international artists, students from Italian universities, and contributors like Nobel laureate Professor Riccardo Valentini. Running from November 30, 2024, to January 6, 2025, it reimagines Christmas through contemporary artistic languages, blending nature, light, and community engagement.

Stephen Flint Wood, Executive Vice President of IMG, remarked, “With the Jubilee upon us, we wanted to celebrate Rome’s historical and cultural significance by creating a spectacular and engaging experience for friends and families during Christmas. ‘Trame di Luce’ combines tradition, innovation, and community, reinforcing Rome’s central role on the global cultural stage.”

Silvia Dorigo, co-founder of Be.it Events, emphasized the project’s unique blend of expertise and vision, stating, “Working with established artists and emerging talents allows us to bridge past and future, creating a project capable of engaging everyone in an extraordinary cultural journey.” Her brother and co-founder Mauro Dorigo added, “Our goal has always been to create experiences that go beyond entertainment. With ‘Trame di Luce,’ we celebrate Christmas and the transformative power of art and culture as tools for connection and inspiration.”

Professor Riccardo Valentini introduced his interactive installation, “Soffio di Vita,” explaining, “Through TreeTalker® technology, we give trees a voice, allowing visitors to sync their heartbeat with the tree’s vital rhythm. This installation is designed to inspire a deeper connection with nature and an appreciation for its delicate balance.”

Fabio Attorre, director of the Botanical Garden Museum, shared his excitement, “‘Trame di Luce’ enhances this historic space, combining nature, art, and tradition. I’m particularly proud of the involvement of students from universities and institutes like La Sapienza, the University of Tuscia, and the Academy of Fine Arts of Lecce.”

Rome’s Councilor for Agriculture and Environment, Sabrina Alfonsi, commented on the exhibition’s broader significance, stating, “This event not only celebrates the magic of lights and plants but also highlights the silent yet fundamental role they play in sustaining life on our planet. It’s a beautiful addition to Rome’s Christmas traditions.”

The Multisensory Path: A Journey of Light, Art, Sound and Interaction

The multisensory path of Trame di Luce transforms Rome’s Botanical Garden into a magical realm of light and art, featuring 22 unique light art installations that blend creativity, technology, and interactivity. Visitors are guided through this captivating experience with the help of QR codes, offering insights and stories for each installation, and a custom soundtrack composed by Andrea Costantini, Giacomo Cacciatori, and Marco Leo, with contributions from Alberto Bof. Inspired by classic Hollywood soundtracks, the music enhances the emotional journey, combining recognizable Christmas melodies with innovative arrangements exclusive to this event.

The journey begins at Palazzo Corsini, home to the prestigious Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei, with the installation “Luminaripainting”. Created by the Academy of Fine Arts of Lecce, this piece reimagines traditional Apulian Christmas lights through dynamic light painting techniques. Under the guidance of Professors Ester Annunziata and Vincenzo Sansone, students collaborated with lighting designer Liliana Iadeluca and Goboservice to project gobo designs onto the façade of the Academy.

Visitors then encounter “E Luce Sia”, a Christmas tree illuminated by 300 lanterns in sequence, paired with music evoking the warmth of candlelight, and “La Palma: Albero della Vita”, an evocative performance inspired by the sacred Middle Eastern tree. At the Triton Fountain, “Aetherea”, designed by Sapienza University’s Master in Lighting Design, blends architecture and immersive light.

The interactive installation “Soffio di Vita” by the University of Tuscia invites visitors to alter a light sculpture’s colors by touch, while “Race to Gifts” animates a 60-meter stretch with 40 LED light tubes bouncing rhythmically to festive music. Additional highlights include “Electric Waterfall”, a cascade of shimmering lights; “Gioia dei Giganti”, featuring massive luminous balls exchanging light and sound; and “Decori Segreti”, whimsical ornaments crafted by ITS Academy Roberto Rossellini students.

As the journey continues, “Creature nel Bosco” enchants with a holographic forest of luminescent elves, and “Surprise” delights with a staircase adorned with LED-lit gift packages appearing to tumble toward the audience. “Fluxit”, a luminous flame by Dutch artists Vendel & De Wolf, evokes the warmth of gathering around a fire, while “The Universe with a Finger” by Motorefisico lets visitors interact with a galaxy of stars, offering an unforgettable connection to light and imagination.

Villaggio delle Luci: Dining Under the Lights

After wandering through Trame di Luce, the Villaggio delle Luci is where you can kick back, grab some food, and enjoy the festive vibe. Set against the glowing lights of the Botanical Garden, the food trucks have plenty of options, whether you’re after a snack, a drink, or something more filling. It’s a laid-back spot to soak up the holiday spirit with friends or family. And if you’ve got something to celebrate, there’s even a space for small gatherings, making it a great way to end the night on a high note.

Useful Information

The Trame di Luce sensory exhibition takes place at the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei, Via Corsini 25. Tickets can be purchased online at www.tramediluce.it or at the on-site box office, which opens 30 minutes before each session. Ticket prices range from €12 to €25, with options for families, groups, and discounts for certain categories.

The exhibition runs from Saturday, November 30, 2024, to Monday, January 6, 2025, open Wednesday to Sunday. From Thursday, December 26, it will be open daily until January 6, except for December 24, 25, and 31 when it is closed. Visiting hours are 6 PM to 11 PM, with the last entry at 9 PM.