Es Devlin Reveals Spinning Library Installation Honoring Education at Salone del Mobile
Title: Inspiring Creativity: Es Devlin’s “Library of Light” Honors Learning at 2025 Salone del Mobile
In a stunning blend of literature, design, and innovation, renowned British artist Es Devlin has introduced a striking new installation named Library of Light, specially created for the 2025 Salone del Mobile in Milan. Situated in the historically significant Cortile d’Onore of the Pinacoteca di Brera, this dynamic sculpture pays tribute to the life-changing potential of education, the captivating allure of light, and the lasting enchantment of libraries as sources of inspiration.
A Rotating Tribute to Wisdom
Famed for her grand sculptural creations and stage designs, Es Devlin continues to mesmerize the art community with her imaginative vision. Library of Light is a cylindrical sculpture, 60 feet in diameter, featuring 3,200 books on glowing shelves. Enveloped in a reflective exterior, the installation is highly interactive and visually captivating.
During the day, mirrors positioned atop the structure cast playful light upon the classic sculptures in the courtyard, fostering a conversation between the past and the present. As night descends, the sculpture evolves: LED screens spring to life with selected text excerpts from the nearby library, enriching its name and transcendent mission. This interplay of illumination and knowledge is further enhanced by spoken recordings from notable personalities, including the esteemed actor Benedict Cumberbatch and Devlin herself, guiding visitors through an auditory journey of contemplation and insight.
A Structural Dialogue Among Institutions
The location of Library of Light is intentional. Situated within the 17th-century courtyard of the Pinacoteca di Brera—adjacent to three crucial institutions: the Pinacoteca, the Braidense National Library, and the Academy of Fine Arts—the sculpture occupies a symbolic intersection of culture, creativity, and knowledge. This confluence amplifies the piece’s core message: that libraries serve not only as physical locations but as cultural landmarks that unify communities and foster intellectual advancement.
Meaningful Design with a Human Element
At the heart of Devlin’s installation lies a lyrical concept. “I have always perceived libraries as quietly, vibrantly alive spaces where thoughts and imaginations take flight, tethered like kites to their seated selves,” shares Devlin. “This kinetic sculpture embodies the neural connections being established, the resonances and associations existing within the collective minds of a transient assembly of readers.”
Her reflections resonate with the kinetic sculpture’s essence — cyclical, evolving, communal — reinforcing the belief that reading is not merely an individual endeavor, but a profound, shared experience. The design of the sculpture symbolically imitates the flow of ideas being exchanged, learned, and reinterpreted.
Curated By Thoughtful Minds
Crucial to the success of Library of Light is its thoughtfully chosen literary content. In collaboration with the esteemed Italian bookseller Feltrinelli, the 3,200 books that adorn the illuminated shelves were meticulously selected to align with the 2025 Salone del Mobile theme: “Thought for Humans.” The collection encompasses a variety of genres, including poetry, fiction, and nonfiction, offering titles that explore the present and envision the future.
“Library of Light embodies a celebration of knowledge perceived in all its richness, as a movement from one individual to another, as a catalyst for both personal and collective advancement,” states Alessandra Carra, CEO of Feltrinelli. Public participation is also a significant dimension of the project; throughout the exhibition, guests are invited to donate their own books to the shelves. These contributions will eventually be integrated into Milan’s public library system, ensuring the project’s legacy beyond the exhibition days.
A Venue for Reflection and Creativity
Devlin’s installation stands not only as a sculptural highlight but also as a cultural hub during its exhibition period from April 7 to April 21, 2025. An array of discussions, panels, and performances will unfold within and surrounding the sculpture. Topics will range from philosophical reflections on creativity to the ancient art of weaving and the ethical duties of artists. This program solidifies Library of Light not merely as an object of observation, but as an engaging, dynamic space for collective exploration and inspiration.
A Lasting Impact
Es Devlin has been widely honored for creations that provoke audiences to contemplate the interplay of art, humanity, and environment—from her immersive public artworks to her roles in opera and modern performance. With Library of Light, she extends that legacy by inviting us into a luminous haven of shared knowledge and awakening.
As visitors navigate its spiraling walls, ponder its printed volumes, or simply revel in its light, Devlin’s creation prompts us to consider fundamental questions: How does knowledge unite us? How can art transform learning into a shared celebration? And perhaps most importantly, how can we envision a brighter future — collaboratively?
Exhibition Information:
Es Devlin — Library of Light
Dates: April 7–April 21, 2025