The Life Electric
Monument in Como
The Life Electric is a modern sculpture located on the breakwater of Como’s promenade, near the mouth of the harbor. Designed by the internationally acclaimed architect and artist Daniel Libeskind, the sculpture was unveiled in 2015 as a tribute to Alessandro Volta, the famed Italian physicist known for inventing the electric battery. Standing 16.5 meters tall, the sculpture is made of stainless steel and features a dynamic, curvilinear form that reflects the surrounding water and sky. The structure is designed to represent the tension and flow of electrical energy, symbolizing Volta’s pioneering work in electricity. The polished surfaces and fluid shape of The Life Electric make it a striking visual landmark, visible from various points around Lake Como.
The location of The Life Electric is carefully chosen to connect the past with the present, linking the historical significance of Volta’s contributions to modern technological advancements. The sculpture sits at the end of a long pier, inviting visitors to walk along the promenade and experience the interaction between the artwork, the lake, and the surrounding natural landscape. At night, the sculpture is illuminated, creating a stunning visual effect as it reflects the lights of Como and the surrounding hills. The Life Electric has quickly become a symbol of Como, blending art, science, and nature in a way that honors Volta’s legacy while also adding a contemporary element to the city’s cultural landscape.
The The Life Electric appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Como!
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Visiting The Life Electric
Nearby Attractions
- Piazza Cavour, Como (0.3) km
Square in Como - Monumento alla Resistenza Europea (Monument to the European Resistance) (0.4) km
Monument in Como - Tempio Voltiano (Volta Temple) (0.4) km
Monument in Como - Statua di Alessandro Volta (Statue of Alessandro Volta) (0.4) km
Statue in Como - Broletto di Como (Old Town Hall) (0.4) km
Town Hall in Como - Como Cathedral (Duomo di Como) (0.5) km
Cathedral in Como - Teatro Sociale (Social Theater) (0.5) km
Theatre in Como - Basilica di San Fedele (Basilica of Saint Fidelis) (0.7) km
Church in Como - Terme di Como Romana (Roman Baths of Como) (0.7) km
Roman Site in Como - Como–Brunate Funicular (0.3) km
Railway in Como
