Magical forest light show De Grote Schijn in Rotterdam

Magical forest light show De Grote Schijn in Rotterdam

HAPPENING 24 October–10 November 2024 | The mesmerising display of nature and technology, De Grote Schijn, is returning to Rotterdam's Kralingse Bos for the autumn break. A sublime fusion of nature, music, and technology, the 2 km evening walk offers an immersive experience to its visitors. 

De Grote Schijn (The Great Shine) is a special evening walk for young and old. Nature plays the leading role in a special audiovisual spectacle and the forest and park are used as a natural backdrop, where visitors experience a light show that creates amazement. Supposedly, it is as if the forest has been put under a magic spell; trees seem to come alive, mushrooms have been plucked from a fairy tale and are given a luminous glow while a new surprise awaits behind every bush.
 
A unique audiovisual spectacle brings an innovative story without words, with innovative gadgets and luminous emotions. Through light, sound and scents, eyes, ears and noses go on an adventure. There are no fairy creatures or evil wizards who spread their magic and bring the forest to life, everything comes from a strong piece of technology.

Pop-up choir and call for 1000 participants

This autumn, the Kralingse Bos will once again host De Grote Schijn, a popular event now celebrating its fifth edition from 24 October to 10 November. This year's special anniversary edition will include several new elements introduced by director Christophe Van Hostauijen and producer Piet Winten. Among them is the debut of a live pop-up choir, consisting of 100 singers, that will accompany visitors during their two-kilometre illuminated evening walk through the park.

Under the direction of conductor Hans Primusz, the choir will be strategically positioned throughout the forest to enhance the immersive experience with live music. The sound will interact with the light and colour installations, creating a multi-sensory environment. “The vibrations of the voices are transformed into light and colour in real time, allowing the entire environment to respond to the sounds the choir produces,” Primusz explains. “We need around 1,000 singers in total and are still looking for enthusiastic participants. Anyone who loves to sing and wants to be a part of De Grote Schijn is welcome to join.”

Interested individuals can find more information about joining the pop-up choir by contacting Hans Primusz at hans.primusz.be.

A nature-inspired audiovisual spectacle

De Grote Schijn places nature at the forefront, combining it with cutting-edge technology to surprise and captivate visitors at every turn. Each scene is designed to blur the line between reality and fantasy, offering an escape from daily life. Visitors can expect to be immersed in a series of imaginative displays that highlight the beauty of the natural surroundings.

“We are not focusing on a specific theme,” says Christophe Van Hostauijen, the creative mind behind De Grote Schijn. “Our aim is to allow visitors to escape from realism, fostering a sense of unity and connectivity. Just as the trees in the Kralingse Bos are intertwined by their roots, we want to reflect that grandeur and connection.”

Producer Piet Winten adds, “For the first time, all installations will be controlled from a central point, creating a seamless experience where light and sound accompany visitors throughout their journey.”

De Grote Schijn 📷 Andreas TerlaakDe Grote Schijn 📷 Andreas Terlaak

Virtual sea of flowers

One of the standout features of this year’s event will be the ‘bloemenpracht’ (flower splendour), a virtual sea of blooming flowers that appears and disappears as visitors walk. With every step, new flowers will come to life, adding to the magical atmosphere. This year, the organisers are also experimenting with minimalism, such as in the ‘bossproetjes,’ a large field filled with tiny glowing dots.



Event detals and ticket information

De Grote Schijn will be open every evening after sunset until 23:00. To ensure a pleasant walking experience and to avoid queues at the entrance, time slots have been implemented.

Dates: 24 October to 10 November
Location: Kralingse Bos, Rotterdam

Entry fees:

€15.25 (incl. service costs) for children under 12 or adults over 65
€20.25 (incl. service costs) for adults
Family ticket €64.40 (incl. service costs) for two adults and two children or one adult and three children
Free for children up to 3 years old

Tickets are available through the official website: www.degroteschijn.nl.

De Grote Schijn 📷 Andreas TerlaakDe Grote Schijn 📷 Andreas Terlaak

Directions to the event

Kralingse Bos is a well-known and easily accessible location in Rotterdam. Public transport and ample parking are available, making the event easily reachable for everyone. The area is picturesque, known for its tranquil surroundings and greenery.

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