"Blue Pearl – Skyspace", James Turrell

4th art project Salzburg Walk of Modern Art: James Turrell, "Blue Pearl – Skyspace" (2006) on Mönchsberg, close to the Museum of Modern Art.

"Blue Pearl – Skyspace" by James Turrell is an elliptical, walk-in cylinder open to the sky on the Mönchsberg in Salzburg.

Description of the Work:

The artwork is a large, elliptical room with benches along the interior walls. The roof opening provides a direct view of the sky. Through the use of subtle artificial lighting and changing daylight, the piece transforms the section of sky into a living sculpture of light and space.

Who is James Turrell?

James Turrell is an American artist regarded as a leading figure in the Light and Space movement. Since the 1960s, he has been working on Skyspaces, which are interior spaces with roof openings that allow viewers to experience natural and artificial light phenomena. His most famous long-term project is probably Roden Crater in Arizona, a former volcano transformed into an observatory-like work of light art.

The idea behind the Walk of Modern Art

Initiated by the Salzburg Foundation, the Walk of Modern Art makes contemporary art accessible to everyone. Created between 2002 and 2019, the works by international artists such as James Turrell, Marina Abramović, Markus Lüpertz, and Brigitte Kowanz explore the intersection of history, urban architecture, and contemporary art.

Practical information

- The artworks of the Walk of Modern Art Salzburg are freely accessible.
- The walk takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Guided tours

Exploring James Turrell's Roden Crater and Quaker Meeting House | Art21

Opening times

April-October: Tuesday-Sunday (daily during the Salzburg Summer Festival), 10am - 8pm (or 1 hour after sunset)
November-March: Tuesday-Sunday, 10am - 6pm (or 1 hour after sunset)