On the 2nd December 2022, the Stockholm skyline changed overnight by the intriguing new glow from Gröna Lund Tivoli. For the first time since its inauguration in 1883, the historic amusement park had opened its doors during winter, welcoming spectators to discover a Winter Wonderland like no other.
Just 4 months earlier, a cooperative of 3 senior lighting designers, each running their respective independent lighting design companies, were commissioned to conceptualise and carry out the full visual experience for Winter Wonderland as “Head of Light”. This event would run from 2 December to 8 January. However, due to the park schedule, the possible installation time on site would only be 3 weeks.
The Client desired to transform the landscape of their 10 acres amusement park into 5 magical winter worlds, filled with colour, pop-up performances and activities for the whole family. Given free rein to convert the entire park within budget, the lighting designers proceeded to interpret the Client’s story with light as the main medium of expression.
As part of their mission, they designed and coordinated all artistic and architectural light installations and respective control systems, before finally composing the lighting scenarios during programming. The lighting designers also project managed the entire lighting program from start to finish, including video mapping performances, leading the development of technical solutions and content in close collaboration with all parties involved. As a result, the following experiences were created for Winter Wonderland:
* The initial 5 magical winter worlds developed into 8 different lighting concepts
* 16 artistic light installations of custom-built products and light projections, including the dynamic light arches and pixel bars along the boardwalk
* 4 dedicated areas for pop-up live performances
* A light show for daily New Year’s celebrations
* 2 video mapping shows
* Dynamic lighting for the 2 new winter attractions: Rainbow Racers and Disco Bumpers
* Lighting of pre-existing park rides, outdoor food- and game areas
* To illuminate the monochromatic attraction structures with minimized light pollution, and create dynamic lighting effects for different areas, Ayrton LT-projectors were mounted at high altitudes directed downwards.
* Existing retrofit light sources were turned off or replaced with LED flame lights or RGBW with Bluetooth control to fit each conceptual world.
* As part of the energy and maintenance optimization plan the facility was further updated with controllable dynamic lighting systems, preset to minimize light output during closed hours to preserve the night sky.
Needless to say, achieving this with a production time of 4 months was quite the challenge, especially since the installations had to withstand extreme Scandinavian weather and the stream of eager visitors. Gröna Lund Tivoli has long claimed to be the place where the impossible becomes possible. As it turns out, with the right project team, it’s true.
With the intention of recreating this success story for years to come, Winter Wonderland Gröna Lund has claimed its place as the new crown jewel of Stockholm’s winter skyline.
