Blumen Lumen

Categories:

Arts & Entertainment • Public Art in Silver Spring • Attractions • Public Art • Public Art Walk

920 Ellsworth Dr
Silver Spring, MD 20910

Get Directions

Blumen Lumen, created by the renowned FoldHaus collective, is a kinetic (moving) installation consisting of towering, folded stainless-steel flowers ranging from 18 to 24 feet tall. They react dynamically to the environment—opening with the morning light and closing at sunset, while their vibrant nighttime display can even be altered by human voices. Positioned at the busy junction of Georgia Ave and Colesville Rd, this piece elegantly fuses modern technology with natural elements.

The installation operates on a daily cycle, with the blooms unfurling at 8 am and drawing closed by 10 pm, while also adjusting to real-time weather data from the National Weather Service.

FoldHaus, an all-volunteer art collective based in San Francisco and led by Joerg Student and Jesse Silver, is the creative force behind this innovative work. Blumen Lumen was commissioned by Downtown Silver Spring’s co-owners, The Peterson Cos. and Foulger-Pratt, as a key element in their $10 million redevelopment of the area, replacing the previous DTSS sign and water feature at the corner.