One of Edinburgh’s iconic gardens has been transformed into a field of swaying, colourful spheres as part of a unique art installation commissioned by City of Edinburgh Council.

Field of Light, a contemporary light-based work by British artist Bruce Munro, has sprung up in St Andrew Square, where it will remain until 27 April.

This is the first public installation of Munro’s work in Scotland, which has delighted audiences around the world over the last five years, and also the first time it has appeared in an urban landscape.

Consisting of 9000 lighted glass orbs rising from illuminated stems, the installation ‘bursts into bloom’ at dusk, when spheres light up and gently change colour into the night. Munro, who created the first Field of Light in the field behind his Wiltshire home, says he was inspired by the heat and brightness of the Red Desert in Australia during a visit in 1992.

Creating an immersive experience, the eye-catching light show will offer residents and visitors to the city a unique perspective on St Andrew Square, enticing them to wander along pathways to view the blanket of light.

Councillor Steve Cardownie, Edinburgh’s Festivals and Events Champion, said: “Field of Light is a fantastic addition to St Andrew Square and we’re delighted to be hosting such a unique and well-received piece of art in the gardens.

“The exhibition follows on from an incredibly successful Christmas and Hogmanay in Edinburgh and I’m confident that this spectacular display will continue to attract interest and footfall to the city centre.”

Bruce Munro is best known for his striking and immersive light-based installations and has shown large-scale work in galleries, museums and outdoor spaces around the world throughout his 30-year career. 

Commenting on his invitation to work in Edinburgh, Bruce Munro said: “I was thrilled to be invited to Edinburgh and St Andrew Square is a wonderful and unique location to exhibit in.  The Field of Light is a bit of a chameleon in that the space changes the work more than the work changes the space. This is an added bonus for me because each new iteration we create delivers new surprises and gives one the distinct feeling that there is life force pulsating within the installation.”

The exhibition, which is free to view, is being funded by the City of Edinburgh Council with support from Marketing Edinburgh and Essential Edinburgh.

Andy Neal, Chief Executive of Essential Edinburgh said: “Field of Light promises to be a stunning event in the city centre which will be a genuine attraction, drawing people in particularly in the evening when we know visitors feel there is not enough to do out with bars and restaurants. The St Andrew Square Garden is a fantastic venue for it, and I am sure it will be enormously appealing to both local people and visitors alike."

John Donnelly, Chief Executive of Marketing Edinburgh, said: “This is a stunning installation and we’re delighted that it’s come to Edinburgh. There’s a huge amount happening in the city at the moment– so Field of Light’s arrival comes at an excellent time. It’s a tremendous attraction and a must-see, both for visitors and those closer to home.”