Siemens has obtained official permission to keep the Siemens Superstar – Munich’s latest landmark and the world’s biggest revolving Christmas star – illuminated until January 6, 2010. The Christmas season lasts until Epiphany. And the star is now going to be lit up throughout the entire period. Originally, the work of art on the A9 highway leading into Munich was to be visible only until New Year’s Eve. After receiving many calls and e-mails as well as numerous requests from local politicians, the company decided to extend the project’s duration by almost a week. In view of the great enthusiasm generated by the light installation during its first three weeks, the authorities had no objection to this request. Every day, the Siemens Superstar can be seen from 4:30 p.m. to midnight and from 4:53 a.m. to 8 a.m.

Siemens developed the internationally unique and pioneering technological project together with Munich multimedia artist Michael Pendry over the past twelve months. Implemented with the support of the Stadtwerke München (Munich City Utilities), the lighting installation consists of 9,000 light-emitting diodes (LEDs) from Siemens’ Osram subsidiary. As bright as around 20,000 Christmas candles, the entire installation uses only as much electricity as a hair dryer or two electric water kettles.