California’s Crystal Cathedral - Let there be light!

Crystal Cathedral is an out-of-this-world structure of light, glass and metal. It resembles a four-pointed, crystal star and has become an architectural wonder and local landmark that has won critical acclaim worldwide.

Martin Professional was contracted to provide the inspirational interior lighting, a rig of 18 MAC 1200s and 18 MAC 600s all controlled from a Case Pro II Controller.

The Cathedral was designed by architect Philip Johnson and is made up of 12,000 panes of glass, each square painstakingly engraved with the name of a contributor. The glass structure is built around a steel truss frame with both walls and ceiling visually open to the surroundings emphasizing the close connection to, and beauty of, nature.

During the day the lights illuminate the pulpit and main alter, including the spectacular pipe organ which is surrounded by the structure truss and glass on all sides. The lighting is also used to illumiante the main stage for plays and celebrations.

To each side of the main pulpit project two wings, each with an organ of its own. By night the entire Cathedral is a glowing ember, the translucent panes reflecting color from the lights inside.

Light is an extremely important element in the Cathedral and has several effects and uses. It is used for example to give the walls substance, creating an effect of strength and permanance, yet can also give the Cathedral a light, airy, almost heavenly feeling. Depending on the lighting and time of day, the Cathedral can feel as if it has solid walls or virtually no walls at all!

The Cathedral is surrounded by beautiful gardens complete with fountains, lights, mirorrs and sculptures. The management is currently considering adding more Martin fixtures, namely Martin exterior illumination for a stainless steel sculpted spire with cross that stands 80-90 feet tall in the gardens outside .