The Pyramid for Tomorrow, walk-in media art
A walk-in 1:1 replica of the Karlsruhe Pyramid on the market square, with an immersive video work inside about possible futures.
Background
The Pyramid designed by Weinbrenner is the landmark of Karlsruhe. As part of the UNESCO City of Media Arts, this piece of the city's history was to be paired with a contemporary inquiry into our future and made tangible as media art in public space.
Brief and approach
Working with the UNESCO City of Media Arts, ato conceived a 1:1 replica of the Pyramid for the market square: outside a white, almost empty volume in the urban setting, with a walk-in interior. Inside, an immersive video work by the collective VOLNA opens the sculpture towards the future. In “The Power of Two”, visitors enter a panoramic game about extremes in which individual decisions lead to very different worlds. Artistic direction: Norina Quinte and Andreas Hölldorfer (ato). Construction: Jannik Lang. Concept: Belwerk.
Outcome
The premiere takes place on 12 August 2026 at the opening of “Media art is here” at ZKM Karlsruhe, followed by 42 days on the market square, open Wednesday to Sunday from 15:30 to 21:00. Admission is free and no registration is required. Free guided bicycle tours to the Pyramid accompany the run.
- Organiser
- ato and UNESCO City of Media Arts
- Artists
- Norina Quinte, Andreas Hölldorfer (ato), interior VOLNA
- Location
- Marktplatz Karlsruhe
- Opening
- 12 August 2026, 19:00, ZKM Karlsruhe
- Run
- 13 August to 13 September 2026
- Admission
- free, no registration