Castles and anniversary celebrations — yes, please! The Château de Prangin in Nyon is marking 20 years as the home of the Swiss National Museum in the French-speaking region of Switzerland, and you can join the festivities on Sept. 29. Organizers are seeking 500 volunteers to assist Catalan sculptor Josep Maria Soler i Casas (known as Muma) in lighting 50,000 candles for a large-scale light performance titled “Flowers of Fire.”
The ceremony takes place in the castle’s courtyard and gardens, beginning at 6:30 p.m. and continuing until midnight. The following day, the site transforms into a village fête featuring food trucks and numerous drink stands as part of the 10th annual “Déjeuner sur l’herbe” (Lunch on the Grass).
Flowers of Fire © www.muma-art.com
Beyond food and drink, the program includes a historical costume parade open to everyone, complete with powdered wigs and period attire. The parade highlights fashions and moments from 1700 to 1920.
Living in Lausanne for more than thirty years, Muma previously conceived the Swiss National Museum’s “Garden of Light” for its 10th anniversary in 2008. His practice blends art, literature and ritual, and his installations often invite public participation. For the September event, children aged seven and over are welcome to take part. Volunteers and participants can register via the museum’s online form.