The opening of the B1 Rooftop Bistro at the Helvetia Campus marks a new chapter in the fusion of architecture, art, and gastronomy. High above the city, in the new and freely accessible spaces on the western tower of the district of St. Alban, Helvetia's vision merges with the genius of light artist James Turrell. finews.art was there for the premiere.
From dawn to dusk, visitors now witness how James Turrell's work «Night Raiment 2024» transforms the Basel skyline. Renowned for creating hypnotic «Skyspaces», his art imbues the surrounding the 12th floor rooftop terraces of the public bistro with a magical play of coloursaccomodating up to 100 guests.
Visitors of the B1 Rooftop Bistro enjoy Turrell's light art and the view. (Image: Matthias Willmann)
After sunset, the roofs of the two Helvetia towers begin to glow. More than 20,000 LED lights, concealed and integrated into the floors of the rooftop terraces, subtly change color over 30 minutes, covering the entire spectrum. The dancing light masterfully reflects onto the opposite twin building’s glass facade.
Final Touches
American light artist James Turrell is a star in the international art world. His light installations range in price from $200,000 to $800,000, depending on size and type, sometimes even higher. He himself was in Basel in March 2024 to finalize the programming of colors, gradients, and timing, refining the visibility and impact of his artwork in and around Basel.
Artwork in Helvetia's Hands
The project's financing was solely provided by Helvetia as the client, making the artwork now the property of Helvetia Swiss Life Insurance Company. The cost of this art acquisition can only be speculated upon. The insurer does not disclose the purchase price.
Lightshow JT Architecture, light art, and gastronomy on the rooftop terrace of the B1 Rooftop Bistro (Image: Matthias Willmann)
Synergy of Art and Architecture
The project idea from inception to completion took about three and a half years. The close collaboration between Helvetia, the architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron, and James Turrell, fostered by good relations with the Häusler Contemporary Gallery, made the art project possible, integrating it into the new construction and the renovated old building.
Art Meets Gastronomy
Martin Jara, CEO of Helvetia Insurance Switzerland, sees the bistro's opening as more than just a new gastronomic offering: «It is our homage to Basel, a gift to the city, art, and life.» The Helvetia Art Foyer and the auditorium also open their doors, inviting the public to be part of this newly created cultural world.
Clarity JT James Turrell, "Clarity," 2023, in the entrance of the west tower with the Rooftop Bar B1.(Image: Matthias Willmann)
Exterior Facade JT 2 Turrell's artwork "Clarity" is repeated in the windows of the exterior facades. (Image: Matthias Willmann)
A New Beacon for Basel
The opening of this venue marks a new beacon for Basel - literally and figuratively. The fusion of gastronomy and light art on the Helvetia Campus invites people to view the city from a completely new perspective.
«The designation <lighthouse> for James Turrell's light concept underscores the original ambition of the Helvetia Campus to be a pioneering object in the neighborhood and for all of Basel,» says Rebecca Blum, Manager Corporate Communication, Helvetia Insurance.
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Light as an art form: James Turrell's exhibition in Zurich extended
