Have you ever felt the sky as a ceiling? Welcome to the UIC Skyspace. This elliptical marvel stands 26 feet high and 43 feet wide. It’s more than just a structure. It’s a portal. A gateway to wordless thought as artist James Turrell intended.
The UIC Skyspace opened in 2005. It’s part of the Earl L Neal Plaza. This plaza serves as the gateway to UIC’s South Campus. It’s located at Halsted Street and Roosevelt Road. Turrell designed both the plaza and the Skyspace.
Many of Turrell’s Skyspaces are privately owned. They require tickets or have security details. This one however is different. The UIC Skyspace is unique. It’s always open to the public. It’s the only freestanding Skyspace of its kind in the entire Midwest. Imagine that. Free access to a truly unique piece of art.
The Skyspace’s roof features a special opening. An oculus frames the sky and shifting light levels. This creates an illusion. It makes the sky seem to meet the ceiling. It’s a truly captivating effect. A celestial vaulting as some call it.
In warmer months you’ll see something special. Curtains of water fall between the support columns. This softens the sounds of the city. It creates a haven of quiet contemplation amidst the urban hustle. The Skyspace doesn’t block out the city. It highlights the natural elements often overlooked in the city.
Turrell’s vision was profound. He wanted to create something that connects you to a wordless thought. A thought without a story. He described it as an arena of thought. A place of loneliness yet beauty. A truly personal and poetic experience.
So take a moment. Look up. Let the light and the sky wash over you. Experience the UIC Skyspace. Let the art speak to you. Let it lead you to your own wordless thoughts.