Quantum Spire is an interactive art installation that playfully visualizes concepts of quantum physics on a multi-faceted sculpture equipped with hundreds of touch-sensitive metal springs and thousands of LEDs. It aims to inspire a broad audience about cutting-edge scientific research—particularly quantum computing, which can be a complex subject as its effects are entirely imperceptible to our senses. For this reason, Quantum Spire makes the first encounter with quantum physics as entertaining and engaging as possible, using the classic analogy of Schrödinger's cat as an entry point into a deeper understanding of the science, while also addressing more advanced topics such as superposition, wave-particle duality, and interference for interested enthusiasts.

Quantum Spire draws inspiration from Robin Baumgarten’s previous work Quantum Jungle and repurposes elements of that installation into a new sculptural piece that can be circumnavigated.

Visitors can approach the installation from all sides and trigger lighting effects by touching the springs. These lighting effects are playful and colorful, but also serve as the starting point for a simulation of quantum effects. In a second stage of visualization, the installation simulates the behavior of a quantum particle based on previous interactions and transfers this simulation onto the LEDs. If visitors touch the installation again during this simulation, the simulated quantum particle collapses into a single classical state. This collapse of the wave function is another essential characteristic of quantum particles.

Furthermore, the concept of a quantum state—existing simultaneously in multiple places and always evading direct observation—is also relevant to the theme of "borders." The quantum form we perceive is not "real," nor observable, and immediately disappears upon closer inspection. The state of the object cannot be precisely defined, and we cannot clearly determine where it begins or ends.

Making-Of

Quantum Spire was first exhibited in February 2025 for the exhibition "Was zum Quant?!" im Forum Wissen in Göttingen.