De Vliegende Zwaan

During the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest, Mothership placed Rotterdam in the international spotlight with De Vliegende Zwaan (“The Flying Swan”). Originally developed for the 2020 edition, the concept was adapted to the new reality brought on by the pandemic — a festival without an audience, but with an even greater need for connection.

From the Erasmus Bridge — Rotterdam’s most iconic landmark — 64 white beams of light rose into the sky, forming the wings of a bird ready to take flight. Each evening between 10 p.m. and midnight, this symbolic swan illuminated both the city and Europe — a radiant tribute to the freedom, music, and unity embodied by the Eurovision Song Contest.

Mothership was responsible for the complete concept development, design, production, and project management. With this light installation, Mothership demonstrated how art can create connection on a grand scale — even from a distance.