Quantum Illuminations

A Celebration of Quantum for Everyone!

April 20, 2026 | 7:00 p.m.
The Den Theatre

Join us for an enchanting evening that entangles the wonders of quantum science and artistic expression. We open with National Poet-Engineer Richard Blanco reading his light-filled poetry. In Quantum Voices, hear quantum scientists share their personal adventures into exciting current frontier research. Set to lyrical music, this exploration imaginatively meanders through some of the most tantalizing concepts of quantum physics. In Quantum Rhapsodies, steep yourself in quantum mysteries from subatomic to galactic scales. Shared through poetic narrative, melodic quartet movements, and lush visuals, this performance weaves through reflections on light, stellar furnaces birthing elements, quantum matter here on our precious Earth, and enigmas of the human mind. Our evening offering, Quantum Illuminations, is a communal celebration of the quantum realm in all its splendor, of what makes us who we are, and of our place in the universe.

Created by quantum scientists and artists from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, in collaboration with fellow-Illinois partners and special guests.

Quantum Illuminations is hosted by Grainger College of Engineering in partnership with the Department of Physics, the Department of Music, the Department of English, College of Fine and Applied Arts, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts at Illinois, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology and Richard Blanco.