Circle of Light: Light Shows and Fireworks
Admission to all festival venues is free.
Through the use of modern technology, 3D video mapping and light installations, many of Moscow’s architectural landmarks and landscapes undergo a complete transformation. They may be transformed into geometrical patterns or whole narratives. Guests at the Circle of Light festival will witness a magical breathtaking fairy tale. The festival schedule is published below.
There is also an educational program that takes place during the festival. This includes lectures and workshops with world-class lighting designers. Educational activities are open for visitors, but pre-registration is needed.
Grebnoy Canal
This location will host the opening and the closing ceremonies, combining lighting and laser effects, the interplay of fountains and fire, and a grand firework display. This year there will be a 12 metre structure of cubes for video projections built on the island at Grebnoy Canal; while about 250 straight fountains and 35 rotating ones will be set up on the water; and more than 170 flame jets of various kinds will be installed on pontoons.
September 21, 22, 23, 8.30 – 9.30 pm Carnival of Light, multimedia show
September 25, 9.30 – 22.15 The Closing Show. This year’s show is dedicated to the Year of Japan in Russia. Guests of the Festival can enjoy a 40-minute show of Japanese Hanabi, famous for its beauty and size.
Tsartisyno
This year, two new stories will be projected onto the façade of the Grand Tsaritsyno Palace: ‘Wandering Palace’ - the story of the phoenix, and an audiovisual performance about the world of the future.
Tsaritsyno will also be the site of the ART VISION International Projection Mapping and VJing Competition.
Daily from September 21 – 23: 7:30pm - 11:00pm Cyclic video-mapping on the façade of the Grand Tsaritsyno Palace; AR light installations
September 24, 7:30pm - 11:00pm Cyclic video-mapping on the façade of the Grand Tsaritsyno Palace; AR light installations
8.00pm – 9.00pm Dmitry Malikov music concert followed by video-mapping on the façade of the grand Tsaritsyno palace
September 25, 7:30pm - 11:00pm Cyclic video-mapping on the façade of the Grand Tsaritsyno Palace; AR light installations
Theatre Square
This year the light show on Teatralnaya Square will use the façades of three theatres: Bolshoi Theatre, Maly Theatre and RAMT (Russian Academic Youth Theatre). The three buildings will make it possible to create a 270-degree video projection.
During the festival, an allegorical story about Spartacus, his fight for personal freedom and spiritual liberation will be shown there. In addition, you will be able to watch two thematic light shows from previous years: Celestial Mechanics and Timeless; as well as projects from the Art Vision finalists.
Daily from September 21 – 25
7.30pm – 11pm Cyclic video-mapping on the façades of Bolshoi Theatre, Maly Theatre and Russian Academic Youth Theatre
Kolomenskoe
Kolomenskoe park will turn into a magical world, with masks and mysterious animals coming to life, fantastic trees bearing golden fruits, and Cinderella’s carriage turning into a pumpkin, while Ole Lukøje will invite everyone into the Dreamworld.
Museum of The Great Patriotic War
This is the first time when the Museum of the Great Patriotic War at Poklonnaya Gora is a site for the Circle of Light festival. Narratives dedicated to Russian military history will be shown on the façade while VJ performances will be accompanied by wartime songs.
Daily from September 21 – 25
7.30pm – 11pm
Video projection mapping shows on the façades of Museum of the Great Patriotic War
For more information, please visit the festival website.