Leo Villareal's Multiverse at the National Gallery of Art

Leave it to the National Gallery of Art to turn a walkway between buildings into a spectacular work of art. If you have not yet seen it, do not miss Multiverse, a light sculpture created by American artist Leo Villareal especially for the National Gallery of Art.

Multiverse is the largest light sculpture created by Villareal to date. The work was commissioned by the National Gallery of Art for the passageway connecting the East and West Buildings. The moving, changing light show is scheduled to be on view for one year. The work is made from approximately 41,000 computer-programmed light–emitting diode (LED) nodes that run through channels along the entire 200-foot-long walkway. The light sculpture is constantly changing, to the delight of those passing through the space. Children squeal as they walk the length of the passage way or glide by on the moving sidewalk. Enthralled kids often double back to examine the sculpture from different angles and see if they can catch the light show in a repeat pattern.

The development of Villareal’s LED project in Washington, DC began in 2005 and was installed in September 2008. Villareal programmed the lights to include an element of chance. The curator explains that “while it is possible that a pattern will repeat during a viewer's experience, it is highly unlikely.”

The National Gallery of Art is located on the National Mall between 3rd and 7th Streets at Constitution Avenue NW. The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Photo: National Gallery of Art Walkway to East Building