A RENDERING OF AURORA, WHICH WILL DEBUT AT MELLON SQUARE ON NOV. 23. | RENDERING COURTESY OF PITTSBURGH PARKS CONSERVANCY

When Pittsburgh officially kicks off the holiday season, there will be a new light display Downtown to make things a little brighter.

The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy announced the debut of its newest light installation, Aurora: Illuminating the Holiday Magic of Mellon Square. The piece is set to transform Mellon Square into one of Downtown’s key destinations following its opening on Light Up Night on Nov. 23.

AURORA IS RESPONSIVE TO THE TOUCH AND MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE AROUND IT. | RENDERING COURTESY OF PITTSBURGH PARKS CONSERVANCY

Designed by Pittsburgh-based artist Joshua Challen Ice, Aurora consists of hundreds of interactive hue panels and archways, responsive to the touch and movement of visitors engaging with the piece. The installation — which runs through mid-January — uses its glowing panels to complement Mellon Square’s diamond tiling interspersed throughout the park, adding a living glow to the space.

Aurora uses more than its light elements to engage its visitors. A myriad of holiday activities are set to accompany the installation such as heated igloos, a hot cocoa booth and live music by holiday choirs.

Mellon Square was constructed in 1955 as the first public space built over a parking garage and underwent a complete restoration in 2014.

The Aurora initiative was conceived by the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy — through a partnership with local nonprofit Shiftworks, known for curating public art displays — to reinvigorate public interest in the space and bring more life to Downtown during the colder, winter months.

According to President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Catherine Qureshi, “This installation is about more than just holiday lights — it’s about capturing the magic of the season and creating moments of joy for everyone who visits.”