This October, one of Toronto’s most unexpected spaces will come to life in a way you’ve never seen before.
For four magical nights, The Bentway — the urban gathering space tucked beneath the Gardiner Expressway — will be transformed by SOLAR, a mesmerizing light installation by acclaimed Italian artist Quayola. This futuristic light show isn’t just a performance — it’s a poetic reimagining of the sunset, where robotics, contemporary art, and immersive sound come together in perfect harmony.
A Sunset Reimagined
Set to run from October 16 to 19, SOLAR offers visitors a completely new perspective on the familiar Toronto skyline. Using a robotic arm as its main performer, the installation casts hundreds of moving beams of light across the expansive space, mimicking the slow descent of the sun with hypnotic arcs and sweeping colour gradients. The accompanying atmospheric soundtrack enhances the meditative, otherworldly experience.
Originally debuted at Rome’s Videocittà Festival, this edition of SOLAR has been specially reimagined to fit the dramatic architecture and urban texture of The Bentway. It’s a place often overshadowed — quite literally — by the highway above, but for four nights, it becomes a stage for light, sound, and community.
More Than Just a Light Show
Visitors are encouraged to walk through the installation, viewing it from different vantage points and spending as much time as they wish. With each cycle, the lighting patterns shift slightly — giving return viewers a new experience every time.
The event marks the finale of The Bentway’s Sun/Shade program, a summer-long initiative exploring the relationship between urban light, shade, and livability. This closing act is not only visually stunning — it also invites reflection on how we experience time, climate, and space in our cities.
Plan Your Visit
Location: 250 Fort York Blvd
Dates: October 16–19
Time: 7:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Admission: Pay-what-you-can at the door ($10, $15, or $20), or reserve Skip-the-Line tickets online for a smoother entry.
Whether you’re an art lover, a photography enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique way to experience the city, SOLAR promises to be one of fall’s most unforgettable events.
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