Nothing signals the start of the holiday season like the unveiling of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, and this year, there is one more reason to celebrate; renowned New York architect Daniel Libeskind has joined forces with crystal experts Swarovski to create the tree's Star, the Big Apple's highest symbol of Christmas cheer.
The numbers are impressive. The tree-topper weighs some 400 kg, spans 2.80 m in diameter and features 70 spikes covered in three million Swarovski crystals. Finely crafted at the Austrian company's factory in Wattens and then a specialist maker in Rhode Island, the piece makes excellent use of Swarovski's time-honed skills in crystal technology and refraction of light.
The overall design is a real show stopper, a dynamic, three-dimensional structure that bears the signature angled shapes and surfaces of its creator's architecture. Light reflects artfully off the crystal surfaces and a balanced volumetric composition underlines that this piece is a work of sculpture, rather than mere festive ornament.
The scaffolding will be removed on the 28 November, followed by a tree lighting ceremony.
Revealed today, the Star will be joined by a Libeskind-designed retail pop-up featuring crystal ornaments for the holiday season. The unit also appears on the Rockefeller Plaza in a shape that echoes that of the Star, all crystalline forms and reflective surfaces. The 13.5m space includes glass panels and video screens, enveloping the retail element.
‘The new Swarovski Star for the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is inspired by the beauty of starlight – something that radiates meaning and mystery into the world', says Libeskind. ‘The Star is a symbol that represents our greatest ambitions for hope, unity and peace. I am tremendously honoured to collaborate with Swarovski on the Star, and with the entire design team, to bring cutting-edge innovation and design to crystal technology.'
INFORMATION
For more information visit the website of Daniel Libeskind
-
Fendi celebrates 100 years with all-out runway show at its new Milan HQIn the wake of Kim Jones’ departure, Silvia Venturini Fendi took the reins for a special co-ed A/W 2025 collection marking the house’s centenary, unveiling it as the first act of celebrations within Fendi’s expansive new headquarters in Milan
-
‘Leigh Bowery!’ at Tate Modern: 1980s alt-glamour, club culture and rebellionThe new Leigh Bowery exhibition in London is a dazzling, sequin-drenched look back at the 1980s, through the life of one of its brightest stars
-
Inside the unexpected collaboration between Marni’s Francesco Risso and artists Slawn and SoldierNew exhibition ‘The Pink Sun’ will take place at Francesco Risso’s palazzo in Milan in collaboration with Saatchi Yates, opening after the Marni show today, 26 February
-
Rebuilding LA: Altadena architects talk after the fireA discussion with Altadena’s architects about bringing a devastated Los Angeles back to life after the January 2025 fires launches our ‘Rebuilding LA’ series
-
This narrow home in San Francisco is a modern take on treehouse livingIn San Francisco, a narrow home by Dumican Mosey Architects, Dolores Heights House, is a demonstration of how to make the most of an awkward plot, creating an expansive home overlooking the trees
-
This Rocky Mountains house is a ski-lover's dream escapeBozeman, a Rocky Mountains house by Pearson Design Group and Frederick Tang Architecture, is a contemporary retreat that sits low in its natural, Montana setting
-
Take a deep dive into The Palm Springs School ahead of the region’s Modernism WeekNew book ‘The Palm Springs School: Desert Modernism 1934-1975’ is the ultimate guide to exploring the midcentury gems of California, during Palm Springs Modernism Week 2025 and beyond
-
A wavy roof tops this sophisticated take on a backyard cabin in CaliforniaThis Californian Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) by Spiegel Aihara Workshop (SAW), offers an aesthetic and functional answer to housing shortages and multigenerational family living
-
Palm Springs Modernism Week 2025: let the desert architecture party beginPalm Springs Modernism Week 2025 launches on 13 February, marking the popular annual desert event’s 20th anniversary, celebrated this year through more midcentury marvels than ever
-
On the shores of Discovery Bay, this wooden house is the ultimate waterside retreatDekleva Gregorič’s Discovery Bay House is a structured yet organic shelter that blends perfectly into the surrounding Pacific Northwest landscape
-
The 10 emerging American Midwest architects you need to knowWe profile 10 emerging American Midwest architects shaking up the world of architecture - in their territory, and beyond
