LINZ January 2, 2009. 11 AM. Strange sounds reverberate over the Ars Electronica Plaza. Then a drum roll. A foghorn. And with that, the big moment has finally arrived … 35 hours into Linz’s Capital of Culture year, the doors of the new Ars Electronica Center will swing open and launch OpenDays (January 2-4), Ars Electronica and LIWEST’s cordial invitation to embark on an all-expenses-paid journey of adventure through the new facility. And no matter how big a crowd gathers at the Wintergastgarten on the Main Deck, no one will be left out in the cold.

An Architectural Landmark Makes Its Debut The opening program being staged in the new Ars Electronica Center won’t feature pompous events. The star of this show will be the architecture itself and the amazing content for which it is a superb setting. Fascinating tours and dialogical showcases deliver an initial impression of the new Ars Electronica Center’s diversity and distinctiveness. Then, in concert with our neighbors, Stadtwerkstatt and Urfahr’s Parish Church, we’ll undertake the first joint artistic production set in the public space that is an integral part of this new architectural ensemble.

Official Opening / January 2, 2009 / 11 AM to 2 PM - The festivities get underway at 11 AM with the grand opening of the new Ars Electronica Center. Speakers include City Councilman Johann Mayr, Deputy Mayor Erich Watzl and Governor Josef Pühringer. The official dedication honor goes to Mayor Franz Dobusch. Immediately after the ceremony, invited guests will have an opportunity to get their first look at the new facility.

Open House / January 2 / 2-5 PM - The open house kicks off at 2 PM; admission is free. Quickie journeys of discovery and lots of amazing performances offer tastes of the worlds of experience encompassed by the new Ars Electronica Center. The open house will continue on January 3rd & 4th, 10 AM to 6 PM both days.

Evening Session / January 2 / 8 PM - “Lights on” are the watchwords of American media artist Zachary Lieberman, who is transforming the Ars Electronica Center’s façade studded with 40,000 light-emitting diodes into a fabulously colorful work of art. This invitation to the evening session will be visible far and wide.