A brainchild of Polish-born, San Francisco-based entrepreneur-artist Ela Madej and the co-lead and architect Reed Finlay, the Temple of the Heart is defined as a space for communal healing, a site to process grief and reconnect with emotions.
The panelled roof of the Temple has Eastern European influences. Inside, the Heart Chamber sits underneath Polish lace-inspired panels at the centre of the structure, which will have the centrepiece of the Rose Altar structure, a glowing room decorated with hundreds of flowers made by fellow artist-burners, where a column carved with flowers grows towards the sky like a lighthouse and a sundial.
According to Ela Madej, its “warm feminine energy,” are intended to elicit feelings of acceptance, protection, and maternal love.
Night view. The 2023 Temple of the Heart by Ela Madej and Reed Finlay.
The adjacent Heart Chamber is the Temple’s main gathering space. The skylight panes are decorated with floral motifs that will shade meditations, choirs, and the BRC Philharmonic, as well as other events. There’s built-in seating to take it all in.
Encircling the Heart Chamber are ringed series of 12 alcoves. The openness and fluidity of that portion also satisfy a need for movement around the structure. Finally, an exterior fence is enacted at a distance with four entrances finished off with further rose-like ornamentation.
This year's Burning Man opens on August 27th.
The panelled roof of the Temple has Eastern European influences. Inside, the Heart Chamber sits underneath Polish lace-inspired panels at the centre of the structure, which will have the centrepiece of the Rose Altar structure, a glowing room decorated with hundreds of flowers made by fellow artist-burners, where a column carved with flowers grows towards the sky like a lighthouse and a sundial.
According to Ela Madej, its “warm feminine energy,” are intended to elicit feelings of acceptance, protection, and maternal love.
Night view. The 2023 Temple of the Heart by Ela Madej and Reed Finlay.
The adjacent Heart Chamber is the Temple’s main gathering space. The skylight panes are decorated with floral motifs that will shade meditations, choirs, and the BRC Philharmonic, as well as other events. There’s built-in seating to take it all in.
Encircling the Heart Chamber are ringed series of 12 alcoves. The openness and fluidity of that portion also satisfy a need for movement around the structure. Finally, an exterior fence is enacted at a distance with four entrances finished off with further rose-like ornamentation.
This year's Burning Man opens on August 27th.
