The Sparkling World Of Swarovski In Wattens, Tirol, Austria

A-6112 Wattens, Tirol, Austria is home to the headquarters of the Swarovski crystal glass company. The company was founded in 1895 by Daniel Swarovski, a glass cutter from Jiřetín pod Bukovou in Bohemia. In 1995, to celebrate the company's centenary, Swarovski opened the Swarovski Kristallwelten (Crystal Worlds) museum in Wattens. Designed by multimedia artist André Heller, the museum is a celebration of the history of crystal manufacturing, the life of Daniel Swarovski, and the beauty of Swarovski crystals. It has since become one of Austria's most-visited attractions, drawing tourists from all over the world.

Swarovski Crystal Worlds

History and Design:

The design of Swarovski Crystal Worlds is based on the concept of historic chambers of art and curiosities favoured by aristocratic families in the 16th century. Inside the iconic Giant, there are 18 Chambers of Wonder, each with a different thematic focus. These chambers are regularly redesigned by internationally renowned artists, designers, and architects, such as Brian Eno, Tord Boontje, and Salvador Dalí.

Attractions and Exhibits:

Inside the Giant, the exhibition continues with 18 Chambers of Wonder, including Silent Light, a wintry chamber with snow all year round, and The Art of Performance, showcasing Swarovski's history in Hollywood. The physical-meditative light experience by artist James Turrell is also a unique highlight. Near the exit, visitors can explore the Swarovski Store, offering countless souvenirs and jewellery pieces.

Visitor Information:

The Giant's Head

The Giants Head is a key feature of the Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Wattens, Austria. This fantastical playground is set in its own spacious grounds, with a wonderland of gardens and artistic installations. The Giant's Head, a large sculpture of a head, greets visitors at the entrance, spewing water into a pond. Inside the Giant's Head, there is a subterranean labyrinth of 17 crystalline chambers of wonder, known as the Wunderkammern, which means "wonder rooms". These chambers are regularly redesigned by international artists and feature intricate, colourful, and surprising installations made from crystal. The concept is based on the historic Wunderkammern of Ambras Castle, which were universal collections of knowledge.

The Crystal Cloud

The gardens are guarded by a giant whose head spews water into a pond. Inside the giant's head is a labyrinth of 17 crystalline chambers of wonder, regularly redesigned by international artists. These chambers are modelled on the historic Wunderkammern of Ambras Castle, which were universal collections of knowledge. The installations within the chambers are ever-changing, offering something new for visitors to discover with each visit.

The Swarovski Crystal Worlds provide a glittering backdrop to various events throughout the year. The park also features a play tower for children, fostering a range of play experiences with four vertically arranged levels. With so much to offer, it is no wonder that the Swarovski Crystal Worlds are one of Austria's most-visited attractions.

Play Tower

The Play Tower is a highlight of Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Wattens, Austria, offering fun and recreation for children and parents alike. The tower is designed to facilitate play and is located in the south of the garden, alongside a playground.

The Play Tower offers a wide range of play experiences across four levels stacked on top of each other. The levels are connected by a unique vertical net that can be climbed to a height of just over 14 metres. The activities on offer include climbing, rocking, swinging, sliding and even an activity that feels like floating. The fourth level, the highest in the tower, is equipped with several hammocks, providing a space for both children and parents to relax and take a short break.

The tower's facade, designed by architecture firm Snøhetta, consists of 160 crystalline facets, no two of which are exactly alike. The panes are imprinted with an innovative pattern featuring millions of tiny animal motifs.

The Play Tower is complemented by an extraordinary playground landscape. This free-form landscape, constructed from steel and wood, offers children endless ways to play and move. The playground features a 25-metre-long climbing route and twisty ball runs, as well as a water play area that is enjoyable for the whole family.

The Chambers of Wonder

Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Wattens, Tyrol, Austria, is home to the Chambers of Wonder, a captivating brand experience celebrating the beauty of Swarovski Crystals. The Chambers of Wonder are inspired by the historical chamber of wonders in the castle of Ambras, which aimed to assemble a universal collection of all knowledge.

One of the Chambers of Wonder is "The Art of Performance", curated by famed wardrobe designer Michael Schmidt and dreamt up by award-winning set designer Derek McLane. This chamber celebrates Swarovski's longstanding relationship with Hollywood's top entertainers and creatives. Iconic outfits from screen and stage are exhibited against a dazzling backdrop, including original outfits by Elton John, Lady Gaga, and Dita von Teese, as well as replicas of Marlene Dietrich's 1932 "Blonde Venus" outfit and Katy Perry's Moschino Chandelier gown from the 2019 Met Ball.

In addition to the Chambers of Wonder, Swarovski Crystal Worlds also features a garden with numerous attractions, including the "Carousel" by artist and designer Jaime Hayon and a Crystal Cloud installation comprising 800,000 hand-set crystals.

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