Have you ever walked through walls of water? Here at the Hexagonal Water Pavilion, you can experience just that. The Hexagonal Water Pavilion is more than just a fountain. It’s an interactive art piece by Danish artist Jeppe Hein. It was installed in Nuremberg in 2012. The pavilion’s design is based on an isometric view of a cube. Ten interior water walls are surrounded by six outer walls. This gives the structure its unique hexagonal shape.
The 2.5-meter-high water walls are controlled by a computer. They rise and fall in seemingly random sequences. This creates a constantly shifting maze of water. At first glance, the Hexagonal Water Pavilion appears impenetrable. But the walls move, creating openings for you to walk through. You can navigate the watery labyrinth without getting wet. The experience is meant to be playful and surprising. You’re never quite sure when and where the walls will part. It’s a fun way to interact with art. It’s also a refreshing escape on a hot day.
Jeppe Hein considers his art a “tool for communication and dialogue”. The Hexagonal Water Pavilion certainly sparks interaction and conversation. It was originally a temporary installation. Due to its popularity, it found a home in Nuremberg. The Hexagonal Water Pavilion isn’t always here in Klarissenplatz though. It sometimes moves to other locations in the city. It was purchased in 2013 thanks to generous support from various donors. This included private individuals, the Zukunftsstiftung der Sparkasse Nürnberg, and even local Rotary Clubs. So next time you’re in Nuremberg, look for the Hexagonal Water Pavilion. It’s a delightful surprise waiting to be discovered.