The "Rendez-vous Bundesplatz" light festival celebrates its 15th anniversary this year. The event, which transforms the Federal Palace facade into a canvas for light and sound, draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to Bern's Bundesplatz annually. This year's theme, "Voyage," invites guests on a virtual journey to global landmarks.
The continued success of the free spectacle is a testament to the vision of its initiator, Brigitte Roux, who faced initial hurdles in bringing her idea to life. The festival contributes significantly to the local economy, generating millions in value for the city.
Key Takeaways
- The Rendez-vous Bundesplatz light festival celebrates its 15th edition.
- This year's theme, "Voyage," features famous global landmarks.
- Initiator Brigitte Roux overcame initial resistance from parliament.
- The event is free to attend from October 18 to November 22, starting at 7 PM.
- It generates an estimated 12 million Swiss francs in economic value for Bern.
- Live music by "Take This" will accompany some scenes for the first time.
Voyage: A Global Journey on the Federal Palace
This year's "Rendez-vous Bundesplatz" offers a unique experience titled "Voyage." The show projects images of iconic world landmarks onto the facade of the Federal Palace. Spectators can expect to see virtual representations of the Eiffel Tower, the Pyramids of Giza, the Taj Mahal, the Statue of Liberty in New York, and London's Big Ben.
Brigitte Roux, the driving force behind the festival, promises a magical spectacle. She confirmed that the show will conclude with a "safe landing" back on Bundesplatz, bringing the audience full circle from their global tour.
"Voyage lets spectators travel to the most famous landmarks on Earth: to the Eiffel Tower, the Pyramids of Giza, the Taj Mahal, the Statue of Liberty in New York, and London's Big Ben. I promise a magical spectacle and a safe landing on Bundesplatz at the end," Brigitte Roux stated.
The event is free for all visitors. It runs from October 18 to November 22, with shows starting daily at 7 PM.
Event Details
- Dates: October 18 to November 22
- Time: Daily from 7 PM
- Location: Bundesplatz, Bern
- Admission: Free
New Live Music Element for 2025
A significant new feature this year is the inclusion of live music during certain scenes of the show. This marks the first time such an element has been integrated into the festival.
The idea for live music came from the presenting partner, Migros Kulturprozent. This organization provided 200,000 Swiss francs to the festival's regular budget. Additionally, Migros Kulturprozent suggested an extra 200,000 Swiss francs to fund an experiment with live musical accompaniment by the artist collective "Take This."
Roux expressed excitement and some apprehension about this new addition. Ensuring that the live music aligns perfectly with the visual projections is a complex task. The performances must be precisely timed, down to the tenth of a second. The musicians will perform three times each evening for five weeks.
The Technical Challenge of Live Performance
Integrating live music into a projection show requires careful coordination. The timing must be exact to synchronize sound and visuals. This represents a new challenge for the production team and the musicians.
Migros Kulturprozent Support
Migros Kulturprozent is a cultural foundation in Switzerland. It supports various cultural projects and initiatives across the country. Their involvement as a presenting partner highlights their commitment to public arts and cultural events.
The Origin Story: From Madeira to Bern
Brigitte Roux shared the inspiration behind the Rendez-vous Bundesplatz. Her journey began in December 2006 while golfing in Madeira.
She witnessed the entire capital city of Funchal illuminated by light art. This experience deeply impressed her and sparked a new direction for her career. Roux decided to dedicate herself to light art.
Upon returning to Switzerland, she founded her company, Starlight Events GmbH. This marked the start of her efforts to bring a similar light spectacle to her home country.
Why Bern's Federal Palace?
Despite being from Zurich, Roux chose the Federal Palace in Bern as the canvas for her vision. She explained her choice:
"Bundesplatz and the Parliament building are the perfect stage for a sound and light spectacle like the one I envisioned. The central location in the federal city makes this place unique. And the facade of the Federal Palace, with its details and the dome, offers a unique surface for light spectacles."
The architectural features of the building, combined with its prominent location, made it an ideal site for the large-scale projections she planned.
Overcoming Bureaucracy and Securing Funding
Gaining approval to use the Federal Palace for a light show was not straightforward. The Administrative Delegation of Parliament initially rejected her request.
Their reason was that the building should serve only parliamentary, not commercial, purposes. Roux argued that the Rendez-vous was a cultural event, not commercial.
She persisted for four years, repeatedly submitting her proposal. Eventually, the authorities relented, granting a one-time permit. This initial permit was crucial for the festival to launch.
Initial Funding Challenges
In the beginning, Roux personally funded the project, using her savings. She had no budget for advertising or media relations. This demonstrates the personal investment and dedication required to start the festival.
Banks Benefit but Do Not Contribute Directly
Bundesplatz is a financial hub in Bern, home to major banks like the National Bank, Valiant, BEKB, and a Credit Suisse branch. Despite their proximity, most banks do not directly sponsor the event.
The cultural foundation of BEKB was an exception, offering support proactively. The Migros Kulturprozent and the Vinetum Foundation from Biel are also important financial contributors.
Before the first edition, there was a proposal for the large banks on the square to jointly sponsor the event. However, Valiant, Credit Suisse, and UBS showed no interest in contributing financially.
According to Roux, these banks still benefit from the spectacle. They request photo materials and programs, invite clients to their balconies for private viewings, and offer refreshments. This highlights a disconnect between their enjoyment of the event and their financial contribution.
The festival's success creates an inviting atmosphere that enhances the area for businesses, including the banks. However, their role as direct sponsors remains limited, relying instead on other partners and public funding.
Economic Impact and City Support
The city of Bern contributes to the Rendez-vous Bundesplatz. This contribution is a strategic investment due to the significant economic benefits the event brings.
Studies show that the Rendez-vous generates an additional value creation of at least 12 million Swiss francs. This value benefits various sectors including hotels, restaurants, retail, and museums within the city.
The 200,000 Swiss francs received from the city are therefore considered a sound investment. This municipal support helps sustain a major cultural attraction that boosts local commerce.
Economic Contribution
- Total Value Creation: At least 12 million Swiss francs
- Beneficiaries: Hotels, gastronomy, retail, museums
- City Contribution: 200,000 Swiss francs
Growing Audience and Creative Process
Roux's goal was to create a light spectacle that also tells a story. This approach proved successful from the very first edition in 2011.
The inaugural event, themed "Switzerland and the Federal Palace are being built," attracted 500 people to its premiere. Word quickly spread, and the spectacle ultimately captivated around 330,000 spectators.
The festival's popularity has grown consistently. Last year, the Rendez-vous Bundesplatz drew more than 620,000 visitors. This steady increase in attendance underscores its status as a major cultural highlight in Bern.
Ideas and Collaborations
The themes for the Rendez-vous Bundesplatz have been diverse, including the moon landing, Saint-Exupéry's "The Little Prince," and "Point Nemo." Roux often finds inspiration in unexpected moments, sometimes even in bed.
She works with a dedicated team to develop these concepts. For example, the idea for "Point Nemo" came from a team member at Lumine Projections in Vienna, who is a fan of Jules Verne.
Roux emphasizes the importance of collaborating with the right professionals for each production. She partners with Lumine Projections for content and realization. This ensures high-quality animations and installations.
Lumine Projections uses the latest generation of projectors and sound systems. This results in sharp 3D images and intense colors. The sound volume is adjusted according to the number of visitors, ensuring an optimal experience for everyone.