anish kapoor and arata isozaki’s inflatable ‘ark nova’ concert hall rises in switzerland

originally created in 2013 in the aftermath of the fukushima earthquake, this inflatable structure was designed as a symbol of hope.

thomai tsimpou September 8, 2025 4 min

anish kapoor & arata isozaki’s Ark Nova returns in switzerland

The Ark Nova, a mobile concert hall conceived by artist Anish Kapoor, the late architect Arata Isozaki (1931-2022), and collaborators Masahide Kajimoto and Michael Haefliger, rises as both artwork and architectural experiment on the Lidowiese in Switzerland for Lucerne Festival, running until September 14th, 2025. Originally created in 2013 in the aftermath of the Fukushima earthquake (find designboom’s previous coverage here), this inflatable structure was designed as a symbol of hope, its temporary, ethereal form carrying music, light, and human resilience. For its 2025 Swiss debut, the Ark Nova offers eleven days of concerts ranging from classical and folk to jazz and pop, while functioning simultaneously as a sculptural installation, a venue, and an immersive exhibition space.

anish kapoor and arata isozaki's inflatable 'ark nova' concert hall rises in switzerland - 1 — all images by Seraina Wirz, unless stated otherwise

From Lucerne Festival concert hall to Living Exhibition

The Ark Nova’s architecture is defined by its mobility and flexibility. Visitors can experience its interior either during the Lucerne Festival performances or as part of guided tours, which reveal the hall’s design logic, engineering, and conceptual foundations. Apart from performances, each ticket grants access to a special exhibition at the Hans Erni Museum, where models, documents, and films trace the hall’s development from concept to reality.

The presence of the structure on Lucerne’s lakeside transforms the public space into an ephemeral cultural hub, allowing interaction, open exploration, and even participatory musical experiences, from sing-alongs to workshops. Three Open4All sessions, as well as family-focused days, invite visitors to traverse the hall freely, highlighting the Ark Nova’s adaptability and social mission alongside its aesthetic qualities.