anish kapoor and arata isozaki’s Ark Nova Rises Again in Lucerne
The Ark Nova, a mobile concert hall conceived by artist Anish Kapoor, the late architect Arata Isozaki (1931-2022), and collaborators Masahide Kajimoto and Michael Haefliger, rises as both artwork and architectural experiment on the Lidowiese in Lucerne, Switzerland. Originally created in 2013 in the aftermath of the Fukushima earthquake (find designboom’s previous coverage here), this inflatable structure was designed as a symbol of hope, its temporary, ethereal form carrying music, light, and human resilience. For its 2025 Swiss debut, the Ark Nova offers eleven days of concerts ranging from classical and folk to jazz and pop, while functioning simultaneously as a sculptural installation, a venue, and an immersive exhibition space.
all images by Seraina Wirz, unless stated otherwise
From concert hall to Living Exhibition
The Ark Nova’s architecture is defined by its mobility and flexibility. Visitors can experience its interior either during performances or as part of guided tours, which reveal the hall’s design logic, engineering, and conceptual foundations. Apart from performances, each ticket grants access to a special exhibition at the Hans Erni Museum, where models, documents, and films trace the hall’s development from concept to reality.
The presence of the structure on Lucerne’s lakeside transforms the public space into an ephemeral cultural hub, allowing interaction, open exploration, and even participatory musical experiences, from sing-alongs to workshops. Three Open4All sessions, as well as family-focused days, invite visitors to traverse the hall freely, highlighting the Ark Nova’s adaptability and social mission alongside its aesthetic qualities.
the Ark Nova is a mobile concert hall
conceived by artist Anish Kapoor and the late architect Arata Isozaki
the structure rises as both artwork and architectural experiment
originally created in 2013 in the aftermath of the Fukushima earthquake
this inflatable structure was designed as a symbol of hope
its temporary, ethereal form carries music, light, and human resilience
for its 2025 Swiss debut, the Ark Nova offers eleven days of concerts
functioning as a sculptural installation, a venue, and an immersive exhibition space
the Ark Nova’s architecture is defined by its mobility and flexibility
visitors can experience its interior either during performances or as part of guided tours
each ticket grants access to a special exhibition at the Hans Erni Museum
the presence of the structure on Lucerne’s lakeside transforms the public space
at night, the structure glows with magenta hues
conceived in collaboration with Masahide Kajimoto and Michael Haefliger
Ark Nova can be found on the Lidowiese in Lucerne, Switzerland
project info:
name: Ark Nova
architect / collaborators: Anish Kapoor | @anish.kapoor, Arata Isozaki, Masahide Kajimoto, Michael Haefliger
festival: Lucerne Festival | @lucernefestival
location: Lidowiese, Lucerne, Switzerland
dates: September 4th – 14th, 2025
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