GLOW and other festivals

Eindhoven has a reputation as a city of light and design, and its festivals reflect that identity. The best-known is GLOW, an annual light-art festival held in the autumn, in which the city centre turns into an open-air gallery of illuminated installations. It is free to visit, and it draws large numbers of visitors from across the Netherlands and abroad. Walking the route in the dark, with the streets and squares lit by artworks, is one of the most distinctive experiences the city offers.

The link with light is historical. Eindhoven grew from a small town into a major city in the twentieth century because of Philips, the company that started with light bulbs in 1891 and later became a global electronics giant. The city was long nicknamed Lichtstad, the City of Light, and the Philips Museum tells the story. GLOW, which started in the mid-2000s, picks up this heritage and gives it a contemporary twist, inviting artists and designers to explore light as a medium.

The installations range from monumental projections on buildings to small interactive pieces in parks and streets. Some respond to the audience, changing as people move, while others are meditative or playful. The route is a walk of several kilometres through the centre, and it passes landmarks such as the Catharinakerk and various squares, which become part of the show. Related events take place in nearby towns during the same period, extending the experience beyond Eindhoven.

Other festivals in Eindhoven are worth knowing about. Dutch Design Week, held in October, is the largest design event in northern Europe, with hundreds of exhibitions and talks across the city, and it brings a lively atmosphere to former factory sites and galleries. Music, theatre and food festivals fill the summer calendar. If your trip coincides with one of these events, book accommodation early, as hotels fill quickly.

GLOW suits couples, families and photographers. Dress warmly, since it takes place in late autumn, wear comfortable shoes, and expect crowds in the busiest streets, especially on weekends. The Van Abbemuseum, the PSV Museum, the DAF Museum and the Philips Museum are close, so a daytime visit to one of them can make a full day when combined with the evening route. GLOW is held in November, and Eindhoven’s cafes serve warming dinner dishes, so plan a meal before the walk. While it is free, some side events charge. Dinner reservations are wise on festival evenings.