They have become as much a part of winter in Frankfurt as grumbling about the Christmas tree at the Römer or like mulled wine at the Christmas market: the wonderful winter lights in the Palmengarten. Once again this year, numerous light and sound installations make an evening visit to the Palmengarten a particularly atmospheric experience. It's perfect for slowing down in all the pre-Christmas hustle and bustle. This year, visitors can look forward to several new installations, including a penguin parade along the stream or a giant crystal on the playground and, in the middle of it all, five large, brightly lit spheres that are meant to symbolize our diverse world. Wolfgang Flammersfeld, initiator of the Winter Lights, and his team have erected a total of 18 objects and six video installations.
In addition to new works, some crowd favorites are returning, including the glowing snowdrops - a particularly popular photo motif with families whose children fit perfectly under the large petals - or the hydro shield above the octagon fountain. The latter will be larger than in previous years and feature new images. For the winter lights, Flammersfeld and his team of eight laid about twelve kilometers of cable, plus they installed about 700 spotlights, most of them LED. The effort was worth it, because the result is once again fascinating, enchanting and simply beautiful.
For those who want to warm up a little after a tour, the atmospheric, enlarged Café Winter Lights in the gallery at the Palm House with hot drinks and small dishes offers the opportunity again this year. The Fairy Tale Tent, also in the gallery, invites young and old alike to listen to stories of mysterious creatures and from faraway lands from 5 to 8 p.m. daily.
Whoever then still wants to enjoy the Palm House with all their senses and immerse themselves in the history of the Palm Garden should take a look at the sound installation "Sound Dialogues" by the sound artist Lasse-Marc Riek, which he composed for the 150th anniversary of the Palm House, as well as the exhibition of historical postcards (up to and including Monday, 6. January, in the small gallery).
You see, there are many good reasons to visit the Winter Lights again this year. They'll be shining from 5 to 9 p.m. each day from now until Jan. 12, with last admission at 8 p.m. The Palm House and Tropicarium will also be open until 9 pm during this time. On Christmas Eve the Palmengarten is open from 10 am to 3 pm, on New Year's Eve from 9 am to 4 pm. During the Winter Lights weeks, the Palmengarten's education department offers combination tours of the luminous objects and the Tropicarium, and other tours can be booked through the Green School.
Regular admission prices apply. Due to the high volume of visitors, travel by public transport is recommended.
More info can also be found at: www.palmengarten.de
