Celebrating a Decade of Bruce Munro's 'Field of Light' at Uluṟu

Celebrating a Decade of 'Field of Light' at Uluṟu

In 2026, one of the world's most renowned light installations, Bruce Munro’s 'Field of Light,' is set to celebrate its 10th anniversary, a milestone that will be marked by public celebrations across Australia. Originally opened as a temporary exhibit in 2016, the installation has gained immense popularity, welcoming over 750,000 visitors and establishing itself as Munro's longest-running artwork. Spread across an area equivalent to seven football fields, it features 50,000 solar-powered light stems, all inspired by native wildflowers that bloom after rain. This breathtaking display is set amidst the stunning landscapes of Uluṟu, which has been a site of cultural significance for the Aṉangu people for tens of thousands of years.

The impact of 'Field of Light' is not only confined to Uluṟu; it has inspired similar installations in various locations worldwide, including Sensorio in California and Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania. Nonetheless, Uluṟu remains the original site of this artistic vision, attracting audiences from around the globe to Australia’s spiritual core.

To commemorate this significant anniversary, Ayers Rock Resort has announced a slew of exciting events. These include the unveiling of a new mural in Melbourne, co-created by Aṉangu artist Valerie Brumby and Wurundjeri muralist Alex Kerr. The festivities will also feature VIP evenings with Bruce Munro at the Field of Light site, complimentary Q&A sessions at the Resort, and updated dining experiences showcasing Indigenous and native ingredients sourced from First Nations-owned Cooee Native Ingredients Australia.

Matt Cameron-Smith, the CEO of Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia, expressed pride in how 'Field of Light' has evolved since its inception: “What was intended to be a year-long exhibition has now blossomed into a beloved fixture in Australia’s cultural landscape. We are thrilled to see it shine brighter than ever as we celebrate a decade of this magnificent artwork.”

Munro himself reflected on the significance of Uluṟu in bringing his vision to life, stating, “This artwork began as my personal tribute to the desert’s beauty and energy. I never anticipated that it would lead to a series of global installations. Uluṟu will always hold a special place as the spiritual home of this piece.”

Valerie Brumby, Aṉangu artist, expressed her excitement about contributing to the celebrations by creating a mural that captures the beauty of the sunset over the installation, saying, “This project fills me with pride and joy. We want tourists to see how beautiful this location is.”

Moreover, this anniversary year emphasizes the growth of Ayers Rock Resort’s immersive experiences, such as 'Wintjiri Wiṟu', a captivating drone and light show based on ancient Aṉangu creation stories, and 'Sunrise Journeys', a female-led event featuring laser and light performances created by three Aṉangu women artists.

For more information and to participate in the commemorative events, visit ayersrockresort.com.au. As 'Field of Light' continues to shine brilliantly against the stunning backdrop of Uluṟu, this decade-long journey reminds us of the profound connection between art, culture, and nature.

This anniversary celebration promises not only to honor the artwork itself but also the rich cultural narratives that shape this remarkable landscape.