Swiss Light, daytime, August 2000
Photo: Marcus Leith

The Swiss Light was a temporary enhancement to Tate Modern's chimney and acted as a symbol of the birth of Tate Modern and the reincarnation of Bankside. Michael Craig-Martin, artist and former Tate Trustee, collaborated with Herzog & de Meuron in the development of this design for the chimney. The resulting creation was a lightweight luminous roof, fabricated from translucent panels, illuminating the chimney's apex like a beacon. Artist and architect together produced a final crowning gesture to define the major architectural and cultural achievement of Tate Modern.

The light incurred some damage during exceptionally high winds and was dismantled in 2008.

The Swiss Light has been supported by the Government of Switzerland.