What it is
The Skyspace is a naked‑eye observatory: a quiet, enclosed chamber with a precisely engineered opening in the ceiling. As light changes at sunrise and sunset, Turrell’s programmed interior lighting interacts with the sky’s natural colors, creating an experience that feels both meditative and surreal. Visitors often describe the effect as the sky “flattening,” “glowing,” or appearing impossibly vivid.
On cloudy, rainy, or snowy days, the roof can close, and a closed‑roof light program is shown instead—still immersive, but focused entirely on interior color and perception.
Location and setting
The installation is situated on a butte overlooking Gazebo Lake, surrounded by a pine forest and stunning mountain views. Reaching it is part of the experience: visitors hike up via one of two dedicated trailheads (East or West), each offering a short but scenic ascent.
The setting is intentionally quiet and natural, reinforcing Turrell’s goal of heightening awareness of light, space, and perception.
Artist and significance
James Turrell is a leading figure in the Light and Space movement, known for shaping light as a medium. This Skyspace is notable because:
- It is Turrell’s first public mountainside Skyspace.
- It was commissioned for the Green Box Arts initiative and is now a permanent cultural landmark for the town.
- It anchors a broader public‑art landscape in Green Mountain Falls, which has become known for ambitious outdoor installations.
What the experience feels like
Visitors typically describe:
- A quiet, contemplative atmosphere—phones off, voices low, attention on the sky.
- A slow, choreographed light sequence that shifts color perception and makes the sky appear altered or hyperreal.
- A sense of arrival, since the hike builds anticipation and the chamber opens to a dramatic view.
- A feeling of being “held” by the space—Turrell’s architecture is designed to remove distractions and heighten sensory awareness.
Practical notes
- Reservations are usually required for sunrise and sunset programs, which are the most dramatic.
- The hike is short but uphill; sturdy shoes and a bit of extra time help.
- Weather changes the experience—clear skies, clouds, and storms each create different visual effects.
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