Dome of Light

Overview

The Dome of Light is a 30-metre-diameter stained-glass installation at the Formosa Boulevard MRT station, designed by Italian artist Narcissus Quagliata. Completed in 2008, it is the largest glasswork of its kind in the world, using 4,500 hand-blown glass panels to depict the cycle of human life.

Highlights

• Four Themes: The dome is divided into four quadrants—Water, Earth, Light, and Fire—each representing a stage of existence from birth to rebirth.
• Light Show: Multiple times daily the dome is animated with a choreographed light and music performance (check schedules at the station).
• Underground Art Gallery: The surrounding concourse features additional art installations curated by the Kaohsiung Metropolitan Transit Authority.

History

Narcissus Quagliata, a Mexican-Italian artist based in the US, was commissioned in 2005 to create a public artwork that would transform a subway interchange into a cultural landmark. Three years of fabrication in Germany and on-site assembly produced the dome, which opened alongside the Kaohsiung MRT Red-Orange line junction in 2008.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: The light show lasts about five minutes—arrive a few minutes early to position yourself at the centre of the concourse.
• Tip 2: Best photographed with a wide-angle lens from below.
• Duration: 15–20 minutes.