Mercedes-Benz Transforms Munich Into Live Art Site Ahead Of IAA Munish 2021

Mercedes-Benz has transformed Munich's Odeonsplatz (central Munich) into a live art site ahead of the bi-annual 2021 Munish Auto Show (IAA Munish) which will take place from September 7 to 12 September with a floating sculpture made of recyclable fibers.

The art site was created by U.S. artist Janet Echelman and the cool-looking structure was called "Earthtime 1.26 Munich", it explores the interconnected networks of our world and it is constantly changing, getting shaped by natural forces.

"Earthtime 1.26 Munich" is considered big enough to cover the cities' monumental plaza, measuring around 24 meters (79 ft ) long, 21 meters (66 ft) wide, and 16 (52 ft) meters high. Its made of recyclable fibers, which are woven like a fishing net and are considered to be up to 15 times stronger than steel by weight. But that doesn't mean that the structure is heavy.

Mercedes-Benz shape-changing floating art on the Munich night sky

The cool-looking structure is actually very light. So light that wind, rain, and light are able to move and transform the net, which is constantly moving. This movement causes it to change its shape and color, putting a show for the onlookers.

Its 3d effect was influenced and considered to replicate the effect of the ocean’s surface after an earthquake. This is the reason it was named after the 2010 Chile earthquake, which caused a 1.26-microsecond shortening of Earth's days.

The artwork is located opposite the Studio Odeonsplatz by Mercedes-Benz and can be best viewed at night when colored LED lights transform it into a floating, luminous galaxy. The sculpture will revitalize Odeonsplatz by the beginning of October.

Mercedes-Benz shape-changing floating art on the Munich night sky

It will float in the skies above the brand's exhibition area at Odeonsplatz for the duration of the trade show, which will be exclusively dedicated to sustainable solutions for the future of mobility. Through the artwork "Earthtime 1.26 Munich", Mercedes-Benz hopes to build a bridge and provide access and knowledge to art for both visitors and Munich's residents.

Vice President Mercedes-Benz Cars & Vans Own Retail Europe, Katrin Adt said "The art installation embodies the current zeitgeist and offers a space to meet and interact. It symbolises a change in the interplay with nature similar to the transformation process in the automotive industry."