Swarovski Crystal Worlds celebrates its 30th anniversary with a new ‘Cabinet of Curiosities’ by Chiharu Shiota
Since opening in 1995, the Swarovski Crystal Worlds have delighted more than 17 million visitors. This giant attraction in Wattens is therefore one of Austria’s most significant tourist attractions. In this anniversary year, alongside a host of events, a new chamber of wonders will be opened. The popular Roncalli Circus Theatre is also returning to Wattens.
From 8 May 2025, a new ‘Wunderkammer’ designed by the renowned Japanese installation and performance artist Chiharu Shiota will be on display at the Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Wattens. The two ‘Chambers of Wonders’ by the award-winning electronic artist Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, which opened last year, already caused quite a stir and attracted considerable media interest. “From Mexico to the UK, France and Greece, right through to the German-speaking world, the media response to the installations ‘Pulse Voronoi’ and ‘Crystal Voices’ was very encouraging,” says Stefan Isser, Managing Director of Swarovski Crystal Worlds, summing up the situation with satisfaction.
Chiharu Shiota’s first permanent installation in Austria
For 30 years now, the Swarovski Crystal Worlds have been among Austria’s most significant attractions. Last year, the 17-million-visitor mark was surpassed, with guests from all over the world. The world-class artists who have created the chambers of wonders within the iconic Giant since the very beginning are also of international standing. “We are filled with pride that we have now been able to secure the Japanese artist Chiharu Shiota for our project. We are looking forward to her installation, rich in texture and colour, which will be tailored to the venue and the people who come together here,” said Managing Director Stefan Isser. Chiharu Shiota exhibits her art worldwide, including at the Gropius Bau in Berlin and the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles. In Bad Ischl, last year’s European Capital of Culture, the Japanese artist created an exhibition in the Ebensee Concentration Camp Memorial Tunnel.
Roncalli Circus Theatre returns
In the anniversary year of 2025, visitors to Swarovski Crystal Worlds will once again be able to experience the magic of the circus. From 11 July to 24 August 2025, the spacious garden will once again be transformed into a circus ring, where top-class performers from the Roncalli Circus Theatre will put on spectacular shows. The festival has become an integral part of the summer programme, as the Roncalli Circus Theatre and the Crystal Worlds share the same aim: to offer guests a wonderful time filled with light-heartedness, joy and wonder. Enthusiasm for the circus, which will surprise audiences this year with a completely new theme, remains as strong as ever.
A thrilling programme of events for families
This year, the Swarovski Crystal Worlds have even more special offers in store, particularly for families. At Easter (11 to 27 April), detectives of all ages can set off on Tyrol’s biggest Easter egg hunt. Creative workshops are also on offer for anyone aged 12 to 99. Around Whitsun (7 to 22 June), the Giant will be celebrating his 30th birthday with a colourful programme for the whole family. In autumn (17 October to 9 November), guests can look forward to a new edition of the Halloween Festival, which will showcase the glamour, thrills and Halloween traditions of different cultures.
