Tonight’s the night the Gateway Arch returns to the night sky!
An updated lighting system that makes the arch appear brighter, while reducing flare and decreasing energy consumption by 60%, will be unveiled tonight.
The re-lamping of the arch is an initiative of Gateway Foundation, in public-private partnership with the Gateway Arch National Park.
The new lighting will illuminate the monument and enhance the evening skyline through more innovative, sustainable technology. State-of-the-art LED, IP65-rated lighting is more efficient, requiring only 1,200 watts per unit, compared to the previous 7,000 watts per unit. The lights are also designed to pinpoint focus and color temperature accuracy, making the arch appear brighter while reducing flares at night – an important factor in protecting migrating birds.
The new system is programmable and has the ability to use the exact latitude and longitude of the arch to calculate sunset every day to automatically turn on the lights. Lighting of the monument with the new system, beginning from the bottom to the top, will take approximately 30 seconds.
Tonight’s re-lighting will take place approximately 30 minutes after sunset. The public is encouraged to take a stroll through the Gateway Mall – from Citygarden through the archgrounds – at sunset to catch the moment the lights are turned on.
To mark the occasion, the Gateway Foundation has commissioned a short film by artist Cami Thomas to explore the arch not just as a symbol of national identity but one of local resilience. The film’s release will coincide with tonight’s re-lighting.
The Gateway Foundation works to enrich life and culture in the St. Louis area by supporting efforts to acquire, create, or improve tangible and durable art and urban design. Its largest project to date, Citygarden, the two-block sculpture park in the Gateway Mall, opened in 2009.
