Luminarium Near Lake Kittamaqundi Dazzles Columbia

COLUMBIA, MD — A luminarium has overtaken area near Lake Kittamaqundi. The installation, which runs through Sunday, June 18, is part of the celebration of Columbia's 50th birthday.

Called "Architects of Air: Katena Luminarium," the piece is a series of inflatable sculptures that are illuminated in different colors through a maze of tunnels and domes.

"The main dome of Katena is said to resemble a pineapple and has been likened to a Hindu temple from the inside," according to the Columbia Association. "Its construction was particularly intricate, with a fine mesh of riveted and sewn reinforcement defining the shape, and more than 200 color spots swirling upward to a green finial."

People must take their shoes off to enter the luminarium and are advised to allow about 20 minutes for venturing through the light-filled installation. The line to get in was reportedly more than an hour on Friday.

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The installation runs from noon-6:40 p.m. on Sunday, June 18; noon-10:10 p.m. on Saturday, June 17; and 5-10:10 p.m. on Friday, June 16.

The luminarium coincides with Lakefest, a celebration around Lake Kittamaqundi that includes children's entertainment, fine arts/craft sales, festival food, a beer garden, wine tastings and more activities.

There is free parking at the Wincopin Circle and Sheraton parking garages as well as at the lot at 5575 Sterrett Place in Columbia. Visitors are asked not to park at the Whole Foods.

A shuttle will also be provided from Howard Community College lots B and C to the lakefront, provided by Howard Transit. Shuttles will run on Saturday, June 17, and Sunday, June 18. The last shuttle from HCC will leave at 11 p.m. on Saturday, June 17, and from the lakefront the last departure will be 11:30 p.m. The last departure on Sunday, June 18, will be 7 p.m. from HCC and 7:30 p.m. from the lakefront.

Scroll through the images below to see scenes of the "Architects of Air" luminarium, which is traveling to Columbia from the United Kingdom.

Main image via the Columbia Association.

See Also: World-Renowned Luminarium Attraction To Light Up Columbia During 50th Birthday Celebration