Every year the art installations at the Coachella Music and Arts Festival get bigger and more impressive – but it is going to be tough for the festival to top this year’s seven-story observation tower dubbed “Spectra” as it is not only great to look at, it gives festival goers a unique opportunity to experience the piece from the inside and take in some views of the festival that no one has had the opportunity to see before.
NEWSUBSTANCE is the company behind Spectra. The British firm built the structure out of steel and acrylic window panels that were transported to the desert by ship, plane and train. They then had the task of assembling the tower on site, which could not have been an easy feat. I mean, this is not just an art piece – this is a seven-story building that thousands of people every day walk through.
As a visitor to Spectra, you begin, as you do with all things these days, by waiting in a line that, really, doesn’t take too long (we waited 15 minutes on Friday afternoon). The wait is worth it. You enter Spectra and begin your journey on a slightly inclined ramp that we’re told is about 1/4 mile round trip.
Along the way the different color panels, combined with the different elevations give some unique views of Coachella that are an Instagrammers dream.
That said, you will spend a lot of your time stopping to allow people to take all kinds of photos.
But, it’s not big deal, really, as it just gives you more time to take in the views.
You can also decide “screw it,” and just go up without stopping.
It’s really up to you.
At the top is a small observation deck you can walk around and, if you are like me, just be dumbfounded at the fact that this building was constructed just for a two weekend festival (okay, maybe three if they let the cowboys enjoy it too – which they should). It’s really pretty amazing.
Oh, and did I mention it has air conditioning? These are truly amazing times.
I have been going to the music festival for a long time and no art installation has impressed me as much as Spectra. It’s going to be tough to top next year, but, as we have seen time and time again, if anyone can do it, it’s Coachella.
