LICHTSPOREN

Revealing the earth's hidden energy.

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LICHTSPOREN are glowing traces that explore the earth’s hidden energy while honoring Genk’s rich mining history.

LICHTSPOREN Official Movie

Making of LICHTSPOREN

The Story Of LICHTSPOREN

Starting September 27, Thor Park in Genk, Belgium will be home to the permanent artwork LICHTSPOREN (Traces). This former mining site, now a hub for technology, nature, and culture, will feature a creation that celebrates the power of nature, both literally and symbolically, as the force that sustains life.

LICHTSPOREN is a tribute to the site’s mining history, blending the energy of the past with the pulse of the future. As night falls, glowing traces crafted from light-sensitive blue pigments and natural stone appear among the trees, symbolizing the earth's untapped energy. These light traces not only honor the mine shafts but also reflect the harmonious connections between humans and nature.

Thor Park, once a coal site, has been transformed into a space dedicated to innovation and sustainable living. LICHTSPOREN embodies this transformation, contributing to Thor Park’s evolution as the gateway to Hoge Kempen National Park. By merging cutting-edge technology with the beauty of nature, LICHTSPOREN enhances Thor Park’s role as a destination for exploration, education, and inspiration.

2024. 3,565 m² area with hundreds of meters of glowing traces made from light-sensitive blue pigments and natural stone at Thor Park in Genk, Belgium.

"LICHTSPOREN is an ode to the energy of nature” - Daan Roosegaarde

Thor Park in Genk has evolved from a site synonymous with the exploitation of nature through coal burning into a space dedicated to learning, entrepreneurship, and harmonious coexistence with nature. “A site with a strong focus on the future, a place where innovative ideas transition to a sustainable, greener future. Even more, the light artwork contributes to the development of Thor Park as the gateway to Hoge Kempen National Park,” says Mayor Wim Dries.

The artwork's permanent placement at the heart of the Thor site is no coincidence. “This former mining site tells the story of Limburg and Genk like no other. Past and future, nature and culture, industrial heritage, and the latest technologies, alongside the natural beauty of Hoge Kempen National Park, all come together here. This makes it a truly unique location. The focus here is not on mass tourism, but on an unforgettable, intimate experience that reveals the soul of this place. It offers a unique experience for visitors, whether they come from Genk or far beyond,” says Flemish Minister of Tourism Zuhal Demir.

“This light artwork creates a perfect balance between innovation and nature, two key pillars of our beautiful province. We are not only making Thor Park and Hoge Kempen National Park more attractive to visitors, but we are also ensuring that both young and old learn something in a playful way about the unique character of this location. I highly recommend it to everyone,” adds Minister of Work, Economy, Innovation & Agriculture Jo Brouns.

The wellbeing of nature at the LICHTSPOREN location is supported through advice and collaboration with the Agency for Nature and Forests (Agentschap voor Natuur en Bos). The safe use of ultraviolet light complies with European standards and has been validated by experts.

LICHTSPOREN is a collaboration between the City of Genk, Tourism Flanders, Hoge Kempen National Park, and the broader Thor Park community.



Photography by Ossip van Duivenbode. Film by Jason Berkley Studios, with music by Thomas Neyens.



Open daily from sunset until midnight, with free entrance. Find here the location.

For more information about LICHTSPOREN, contact Visit Genk.



Select Exhibitions

LICHTSPOREN Genk Belgium

September 27, 2024

News

Exhibitions

September 9, 2024

Opening LICHTSPOREN Belgium

Starting September 27, our new LICHTSPOREN will illuminate Thor Park in Genk, Belgium. The permanent public artwork honors Genk’s mining history while envisioning a sustainable future powered by the earth’s hidden energy. PRESS RELEASE.

Exhibitions

September 8, 2024

Unique Location for LICHTSPOREN

Once a coal site, Thor Park in Genk, Belgium, now blends technology, nature, and culture, with LICHTSPOREN as part of its transformation into a hub for innovation and sustainable living.

Exhibitions

September 7, 2024

A Tribute to Coal Heritage

LICHTSPOREN honors Genk's rich mining past, connecting the energy of the earth with the pulse of the future in a dance of light.