On Friday, October 5th, the Chestnut Hill Conservancy is presenting the second annual Night of Lights, an innovative public art exhibit that will transform Chestnut Hill’s commercial corridor into an interactive exhibit of local history and architecture. Many area shops and restaurants will be open late, inviting visitors to explore this shopping and dining destination as never before. During this one evening, historical images and films from the Chestnut Hill Conservancy's Archives will be projected through storefront windows and onto exterior walls. Neighboring buildings along Germantown Avenue will be illuminated with theatrical lights, casting colors, patterns, and shadows to highlight their unique architectural features. These will be enhanced with interactive elements designed to immerse the visitor in the ongoing story of Chestnut Hill. Long-time business owners will become interpreters for the evening, sharing stories and engaging the community about their own history. Demonstrations by expert artisan stone masons, woodworkers, and metal smiths—many of them descendants of the artisans who built Chestnut Hill—will be featured alongside vintage cars, street musicians, and more. This street-long spectacular is organized in partnership with the Chestnut Hill Business District. A 7pm opening reception at the Water Tower (Ardleigh Street and Southampton Avenue) will kick off the event with a “Flip the Switch” ceremony to turn on the lights.
