Dominating the Grand Lobby are three of the largest crystal chandeliers in North America. Each diamond-shaped fixture extends up to 12 feet (3.6 meters) in diameter and weighs up to 2.25 tons (2,000 kilograms). The 33 chandeliers and wall sconces throughout Armstrong Auditorium are trimmed with over 46,000 pieces of Swarovski Strass® crystal imported from Austria. Each chandelier hangs approximately 26 feet (8 meters) from the floor and can be lowered for maintenance.
Strass® crystal is manufactured in the Austrian Alps by Swarovski AG using a secret process that stems back generations. Strass® is considered the finest crystal in the world. Razor-sharp machine cutting and polishing of facets–the Swarovski trademark—produces crystals that are internally flawless and unique in purity and brilliance.
Strass® crystal is easier to clean and maintain due to a patented coating that repels dust. Lead content in Strass® crystal is in excess of 30 percent, the highest in the world.