The Incandescent Bulb Memorial

On December 8, 2008, the member states of the European Union agreed on a ban on incandescent light bulbs. From September 1, 2012, incandescent bulbs are no longer allowed to be sold in Europe.

Swedish lighting designer Kai Piippo expressed people’s concerns about this in a memorial. The monument stands at the Sint Catharina cemetery, an oasis of tranquility in the busy city center. The installation was created in collaboration with his lighting design agency, Ljusarkitektur, founded in 1991.

Piippo dramatically illuminated the image of the crucified Christ on Calvary and the vegetation surrounding it. In the open space in front of the image, an illuminated tombstone is placed with the text “In memory of the incandescent bulb.” Small lamps are placed on both sides of the path leading to the centrally located monument. The lighting at the entrance of the path is blue, which enhances the warm light that incandescent bulbs are known for. In Eindhoven, the birthplace of the incandescent bulb, the monument holds special significance.