Swarovski Kristallwelten
One of the most frequently visited attractions in Austria, Swarovski Crystal Worlds has delighted more than 15 million visitors since 1995.
Swarovski Crystal Worlds
Swarovski has had a history of tradition and success since the family-owned company opened in 1895. From the very outset, company founder Daniel Swarovski had the vision to regard crystal not just as a material, but as a source of inspiration. When Swarovski celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1995, a unique place was created that turned crystal into a living experience: Swarovski Kristallwelten (Swarovski Crystal Worlds). Renowned names from art and design interpret crystal in their own way and turn the sparkling material into unique concepts of experience and space. In line with the idea of the company’s founder, Daniel Swarovski, Swarovski Crystal Worlds is constantly reinventing and developing itself. It is always surprising and always on the cutting edge – a reliable partner for the tourism industry and an ongoing attraction for travelers through Austria. Spread out over 7.5 hectares, the iconic Giant’s fantastical realm offers a one-of-a-kind blend of contemporary art, classic history, captivating nature, and a year-round program of events for all ages.
Chambers of Wonder by André Heller
In 1995 multimedia artist André Heller created a world of wonder to celebrate Swarovski’s hundredth anniversary. The underlying principle of the Chambers of Wonder is based on the historical chamber of wonder at Ambras Castle, a sixteenth-century attempt to assemble a universal collection of all knowledge at the time.
Swarovski Kristallwelten – A New Era of Wonder
In keeping with the spirit of company founder Daniel Swarovski, it embraces the philosophy of continual innovation and development, and has already gone through a number of structural enhancements. The largest expansion to date took place in 2015 on the occasion of Swarovski’s 120th anniversary, when the Swarovski Crystal Worlds grounds doubled in size with the addition of an extensive garden landscape. And still more dazzling attractions to discover have been added since that time. Swarovski’s wide-ranging brand portfolio, culinary delights, and the year-round program of events give eloquent testimony to the diverse history of Swarovski Crystal Worlds, which spans 2020 25 years.
New Chamber of Wonder
With Yayoi Kusama's only permanent “Infinity Mirror Room” in the world - in addition to her gallery in Tokyo - Swarovski Kristallwelten has opened it's now 17th Chamber of Wonder within the realm of the iconic Giant. Kusama, one of the most popular contemporary artists in the world, is exhibiting one of her most spectacular mirror installations to date in Wattens, entitled “Chandelier of Grief.” The central element is a rotating chandelier of Swarovski crystal, whose luster comes to life in a room that is completely lined with mirrors. The room creates the illusion of being in an endless space.
Black-and-white, modern with 15 million Swarovski crystals
Spanish designer Jaime Hayon has designed a striking black-and-white carousel to juxtapose with the lush greenery of the Garden within Kristallwelten. The contemporary design reimagines the traditional carousel while retaining its nostalgic appeal.
The monochrome design shimmers with 15 million Swarovski crystals across 12 ceiling panels and 16 wall panels and is illuminated with warm lighting to create a dreamlike atmosphere. Hayon was inspired by folklore and fairy tales to create the fantasy characters for the seats. Whimsical faces decorate the roof and the surrounding fence, expressing the joy, surprise and delight that riding a carousel brings.
Swarovski Kristallwelten for families
Located in the south-west corner of the Garden, Carousel joins other family-oriented installations including André Heller’s ‘Labyrinth’, a four-story high playtower and an outdoor playground. Interspersed throughout the rest of the Garden are works by famed creators including CAO PERROT, Fredrikson Stallard, Erwin Wurm, Bruno Gironcoli, Thomas Bayrle, Martin Gostner, Kwangho Lee and Alois Schild.