PORTAL TO THE SKY: DISCOVERING THE MAGIC OF JAMES TURRELL’S SKYSPACE
Have you ever discovered an artist whose work you just can’t get enough of? I’m lucky to have a few, and James Turrell is definitely one of them. There’s something magical and otherworldly about the way his Skyspaces play with light and space. Every time I step into one, it feels like entering a portal to calm—a sanctuary where I can breathe, reflect, and reset.
Over the years, I’ve made it a point to seek out Turrell’s work whenever I travel. Each Skyspace I visit leaves me in awe, but one of my all-time favorites is Twilight Epiphany at Rice University in Houston. Nestled beside the Shepherd School of Music, this Skyspace is nothing short of a masterpiece. Built in 2012, the pyramidal structure can accommodate up to 120 people. It’s not only visually stunning but also acoustically designed for musical performances, adding another layer of magic to the experience.
The real enchantment happens at sunrise and sunset, when an LED light sequence interacts with the natural light streaming through a 72-foot square opening in the roof. The colors shift and blend in perfect harmony with the sky, creating a breathtaking display—like the universe putting on a private show just for you.
Turrell has created nearly 90 Skyspaces worldwide, each uniquely tailored to its environment. Some are open to the elements, while others are enclosed. Some are nestled among buildings, while others stand alone in wide-open spaces. Despite their differences, all share the same ethereal quality—a blend of peace, light, and what can only be described as spatial magic.
Here are a few Skyspaces I’ve been lucky enough to experience:
The Color Inside
This oval-shaped Skyspace at the University of Texas at Austin features a circular aperture, mesmerizing light sequences, and a quiet, contemplative atmosphere.
Location: William C. Powers Student Activity Center, 2201 Speedway, Austin, TX 78712
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Dividing the Light
This Skyspace at Pomona College boasts a canopy that frames a window to the sky, providing a serene space for reflection.
Location: Draper Courtyard, Lincoln and Edmunds Buildings, 120 W. Bonita Avenue, Claremont, CA 91711
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Chestnut Hill Friends Meeting Skyspace
Located in a Quaker meetinghouse in Philadelphia, this Skyspace offers a peaceful retreat for worship and reflection in the heart of a bustling city.
Location: 20 E Mermaid Ln, Philadelphia, PA 19118
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Twilight Epiphany
This Skyspace at Rice University is Turrell’s 73rd and features a stunning interplay of light and architecture, with sunrise and sunset shows six days a week.
Location: Suzanne Deal Booth Centennial Pavilion, Houston, TX 77005
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C.A.V.U.
The largest free-standing circular Skyspace is located in the contemporary art museum MASS MoCA in the Berkshires. This installation transforms a repurposed concrete water tank into an immersive light experience.
Location: 1040 Mass MoCA Way, North Adams, MA 01247
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Each Skyspace is a world of its own, designed to connect you with something greater—whether it’s the sky, the moment, or yourself. And while the Skyspaces are some of Turrell’s most iconic works, they’re just one part of his expansive artistic vision. From The Light Inside at the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston to his transformative project at Roden Crater in Arizona, Turrell’s creations invite us to slow down and truly see the world in a new light.
Turrell’s work has been celebrated worldwide, with more than 150 solo exhibitions and permanent installations in iconic locations like the Guggenheim Museum, MoMA PS1, and beyond. He’s received countless accolades, including the National Medal of Arts and a MacArthur Fellowship.
If you ever get the chance, I can’t recommend visiting a Skyspace—or any of Turrell’s works—enough. These aren’t just installations; they’re experiences that compel you to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the world around you. So go, sit, watch the light change, and let yourself be transported.
Have you visited a Turrell Skyspace? I’d love to hear about your experience! You’ll find a curated map of James Turrell installations worldwide below. It’s an ambitious list to try and see them all!
The Artful Epicure 