See one of Buffalo’s historic grain elevators in a spectacular new light.
Buffalo was once the world’s largest grain port. Now it’s home to one of the world’s most unique and dynamic permanent lighting installations. One that helps restore Buffalo’s Inner and Outer Harbor — all while celebrating the city’s industrial heritage.
The canvas for this modern-day work of art is the Connecting Terminal Grain Elevator, easily seen from Canalside, the Buffalo River, and Lake Erie. This unique structure has been transformed into a light sculpture, a light beacon for the city and surrounding areas. This project, part of the visual master plan developed in 2012, will contribute to the enhancement of the Buffalo nightscape as well as its Waterfront and Downtown.
When is the Connecting Terminal lit up?
You can see the façade of this vacant architectural icon filled with light every evening, all year round, at nightfall until 11:00 pm.
Buffalo is “The City of Light”
The goal of this unique project is to:
- Make the best possible use of a public space and unique canvas
- Create an atmosphere through the use of light
- Contribute to the revitalization of Buffalo’s Waterfront through art
- Increase public appreciation of Buffalo’s industrial heritage
- Pair a vibrant cultural experience with nighttime entertainment
- Provide a dynamic, artistic, world-class attraction
Bringing new life to one of Buffalo’s oldest mills
Buffalo’s history in the grain trade dates back to 1825, and reached a high point during the 1920s through the 1940s with nearly 50 grain elevators in use. However, by 1965, the number of operating grain elevators declined to 27. Today, only a handful of the structures remain in use, until now.
A beacon of light in a transformational time.
The visual concept for the Connecting Terminal serves to provide a 360 degree visual experience, 365 days a year. This evolving light show transforms the structure into a contemplative artistic lighting installation that can be enjoyed from the boardwalk at Canalside and from the Outer Harbor.
This unique light sculpture was designed by Ambiances Design Productions. The artist’s main inspiration was the four seasons viewed through the lens of a kaleidoscope which gave birth to a “light narrative” that was then transposed into light. This theme allows the sculpture to transform and evolve year round for the public’s enjoyment and appreciation.
This project is presented by the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation with funding provided by the New York Power Authority.
