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Daniel Libeskind Designs Swarovski Star for Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

architecture-design · 2026-05-04

Architect Daniel Libeskind has designed the Swarovski Star that tops the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, a tradition dating back to 1931. The star weighs over 400 kg, measures nearly 3 meters in diameter, and features a central LED-lit body with 70 prongs covered in 3 million Swarovski crystals. It was hoisted atop the tree before the annual lighting ceremony. Libeskind, known for the Jewish Museum Berlin and the World Trade Center master plan, stated the star is inspired by the beauty of starlight and symbolizes hope, unity, and peace. Additionally, a temporary Swarovski boutique designed by Libeskind will open on Rockefeller Plaza, shaped like a star with glass panels and video screens. The nearly 20-square-meter shop will sell jewelry, ornaments, and gifts, including a new line by Libeskind for Atelier Swarovski Home. A replica of the star, also made with 3 million crystals, will be displayed at ground level for close-up viewing.

Key facts

  • Daniel Libeskind designed the Swarovski Star for the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree.
  • The star weighs over 400 kg and is nearly 3 meters in diameter.
  • It features a central LED-lit body with 70 prongs covered in 3 million Swarovski crystals.
  • The tree lighting ceremony took place in 2018.
  • Libeskind also designed a temporary Swarovski boutique on Rockefeller Plaza.
  • The boutique is star-shaped, nearly 20 square meters, with glass panels and video screens.
  • The boutique will sell jewelry, ornaments, and gifts from Swarovski and Atelier Swarovski.
  • A replica of the star with 3 million crystals will be displayed at ground level.

Entities

Artists

  • Daniel Libeskind

Institutions

  • Rockefeller Center
  • Swarovski
  • Atelier Swarovski
  • Atelier Swarovski Home
  • Jewish Museum Berlin
  • World Trade Center

Locations

  • New York City
  • United States
  • Rockefeller Plaza
  • Berlin
  • Germany

Sources