A Star Is Raised
John Hill
13. 11月 2019
All photos by John Hill/World-Architects
On the morning of November 13 the Swarovski Star — designed by architect Daniel Libeskind and made with millions of Swarovski crystals — was raised into position atop the famed Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center in New York City.
The tree, which arrived on the plaza on November 9, won't be lit until December 4, so the tree was shrouded in scaffolding as crews continue to cover the tree with lights. Temperatures during the ceremonial raising of the star were chilly, as Arctic air blanketed much of the United States on Wednesday, making it feel like the middle of winter in the middle of November. Libeskind, who first designed the Swarovski Star last year, spoke briefly before the star was raised into position, describing the 900-pound, nearly 10-foot-diameter star with 70 spikes covered in 3 million Swarovski crystals as "very New York" and "star-like." World-Architects attended the ceremony to get a closer look at the tree topper before it was lifted 77 feet above plaza level.
The star in its final position atop the 77-foot-tall Norway Spruce from Orange County, New York.
The star on the plaza level before it was lifted into place, seen from across Rockefeller Center's famous skating rink.
Daniel Libeskind, speaking briefly before the star was raised, makes a good scale figure for grasping just how large the Swarovski star actually is.
An overall view of the star from up close, followed by a few photos that get closer ...
... and closer ...
... and closer ...
... and closer ...
