RAINBOW STATION
The largest on-demand rainbow in the world.
RAINBOW STATION is the world's largest artificial rainbow, using liquid crystal technology originally developed for exoplanet research to transform the historic 125-year-old Amsterdam Central Station into a shifting spectrum of rainbow colors.
In collaboration with Leiden University, RAINBOW STATION merges science and art, creating a magical display every evening for a brief moment after sunset.
Originally designed to celebrate the 125th anniversary of Amsterdam Central Station and the UNESCO International Year of Light 2015, RAINBOW STATION captivates audiences with its blend of art, science, and history.
RAINBOW STATION invites 50 million visitors annually to pause and appreciate the beauty of light, turning their daily commute into a moment of wonder and reflection.
RAINBOW STATION is winner of LIT 2017 Lighting Design of the Year USA.
2014-2015. Custom light source with liquid crystal lens to create a 45 by 13 meters rainbow at Amsterdam Central Station.
Made in collaboration with Amsterdam Fund for the Arts, NS Stations, ProRail, Stichting Doen, and Sterrenwacht Leiden University with Frans Snik.
Press Release
Fact Sheet
Select Exhibitions
Amsterdam Central Station
December 11, 2014
Publications
September 4, 2023
Winner Design for Asia Award
Daan Roosegaarde wins the prestigious Design for Asia Award, recognizing his innovative contributions to art, technology, and sustainability on a global scale, including the SUSTAINABLE DANCE FLOOR.
Publications
March 15, 2019
Science of RAINBOW STATION
The science behind creating our largest artificial rainbow in the world with a liquid crystal lens is now published in a scientific paper by the Optical Society of America.
Exhibitions
February 4, 2019
First Visitor Photo: Excitement at Rainbow Station
This first visitor photo at RAINBOW STATION captures the exhilarating moment as vibrant colours illuminate the night sky.