Nestled between Mt. Airy and Chestnut Hill in Northwest Philadelphia, the Skyspace at the Chestnut Hill Friends Meeting offers something increasingly rare: a place to slow down, look up, and be transformed by light. We are thrilled to announce our 2026 schedule! Please be sure to check our schedule in advance and make a reservation here.
What is Greet the Light?
Greet the Light is a permanent Skyspace installation designed by renowned artist James Turrell—one of more than 90 Skyspaces he has created around the world, each unique to its surroundings. At the heart of the experience is a rectangle cut into the ceiling of the Chestnut Hill Friends Meeting Room, open to the sky above. Cove lighting designed by Turrell slowly shifts through a sequence of colors, interacting with the natural light of dusk or dawn in ways that challenge your perception of color, depth, and space.
The experience is timed to coincide with sunrise or sunset—the moments when the world’s light changes most dramatically. Every visit is different. Many visitors find the slow, meditative pace deeply contemplative. It is worth noting that the program runs for just under an hour and may not hold the attention of young children.
2026 Schedule
Sunday Sunset Viewings: From late March through December, Skyspace viewings take place every Sunday evening beginning at sunset. These are the most accessible and frequently scheduled events of the season.
First Friday Viewings: On the First Friday evening of select months, an additional viewing is offered—with $5 student tickets available, making it a wonderful option for students and young visitors.
Second Sunday SoundScape Series: Nine special Second Sunday evenings this season will pair Turrell’s lighting sequence with the resonant sounds of harmonic crystal bowls. These SoundScape events carry an additional $6 fee to compensate the performer and offer a particularly immersive experience.
Sunrise Viewings: A limited number of dawn programs are scheduled for 2026, each beginning one hour before sunrise:
- Easter Sunday, April 5
- Summer Solstice, June 21
- Saturday, October 24
- Saturday, October 31
Please note: The Skyspace is closed from January 1 through late March.
What to Expect on the Day
The Skyspace opens its roof weather permitting. If temperatures fall below 40°F or conditions are too humid or wet, the roof will remain closed and Turrell’s indoor lighting sequence will run instead. Beginning in 2026, ticket fees are non-refundable regardless of weather conditions. Please check your email on the day of your visit for any updates.
Tickets & Reservations
Advance reservations are required for all events. Reserve your spot here.
Ticket fees are tax deductible. Half of every ticket supports the Skyspace maintenance reserve, and half supports Chestnut Hill Friends Meeting facility operating costs. The Skyspace is run entirely by volunteers.
Getting There
The Skyspace is located inside the Friends Meeting House at 20 E. Mermaid Lane, Philadelphia. Parking is available in the lot on site, with free street parking nearby when the lot is full. The SEPTA Chestnut Hill East Wyndmoor Train Station is a ten-minute walk away, and the Route 23 bus stops at Germantown Avenue and Mermaid Lane, one block from the entrance.
The Chestnut Hill Skyspace is open to the public at designated times throughout the year, weather permitting, and outside of Sunday worship services.