I recently had a conversation with a friend about how much we plan our itinerary for trips. How do you balance unexpected discoveries and enjoying the off-the-beaten path greatness?  It’s hard to imagine stumbling across Center for International Light Art  or going to the North Rhine-Westphalia region of Germany and missing this unique place! A few years ago a friend recommended this museum, and it is an inspiring example of art and architecture. We stopped in Unna after visiting the Marta Herford and on our way to meander around Dortmund looking for futbal stuff.

In a small German town, Lichtkunst Unna is the world’s first museum focused on light art. Ten meters underground in the old cooling chambers of the Lindenbrauerei brewery, there are permanent light installations by Olafur Eliason, James Turrell, Rebecca Horn, and about 15 more artists.

No pictures are allowed on our tour, but you can see more at the links. I was happy to find the interactive approach to light by the artist Blendid. Also, the two group shows (Art & Coal/Down here – Up there and BRIGHT) included some of our favorite artworks at the museum.  The tour finished above ground with James Turrell’s “Third Breath.” 

Most of the time you can only experience these dark spaces on a German-speaking tour. The best part of this format was the English-language machines my children could use to learn about the artwork on their own. Afterwards, we made an unplanned stop at the popular ice cream shop next door!