The Catskill Mountains in Ulster County is home to the world’s largest kaleidoscope, known as the Kaatskill Kaleidoscope. Located at The Shops at Emerson in Mount Tremper, this attraction draws in approximately 25,000 visitors each year. In 1997, it was officially certified by the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest kaleidoscope, a title it still holds according to the World Record Academy.
The construction of the Kaatskill Kaleidoscope was the brainchild of Catskills developer Dean Gitter, who partnered with Emily Fisher, co-founder of the Emerson Resort and Spa. Together, they aimed to attract tourism and create job opportunities in the area. The kaleidoscope was built with a price tag of $250,000 and placed inside a former grain silo on the Riseley Flats Farm. Stained-glass artist Charles Karadimos designed the intricate pyramid system and utilized shatterproof Alpolic building material to create the reflective surfaces.
When entering the Kaatskill Kaleidoscope, visitors are transported into a surreal experience. The top of the scope projects images onto a screen, which are then multiplied by the mirrored panels and reflected down into the silo. In the viewing area, up to 20 visitors can witness the illusion of changing imagery on a 50-foot sphere. The experience is accompanied by a 10-minute narration and dazzling light effects.
As someone who grew up in Ulster County and has a passion for kaleidoscopes, I recently had the opportunity to watch the Kaleidoshow. Joined by the Richards family, who were on vacation from Montreal, we were all captivated by the mesmerizing display. Even Elizabeth, a young child who initially cried, became enchanted by the vibrant colors. The show evoked spontaneous responses of awe from myself, Braden, Catherine, and Noah.
Teresa McCarthy, the manager of the Kaleidostore, has been a part of the kaleidoscope community for many years. She has witnessed the profound effect these artistic creations have on people, including a color-blind man who marveled at the multitude of colors he saw through a polarized lens. The Kaleidostore offers a range of collector scopes, each with its own unique viewing experience and artistic flair. McCarthy takes pride in connecting with the artists and creators behind these kaleidoscopes, and collectors are drawn to the variety and craftsmanship.
To celebrate its 27th anniversary, the Kaleidoshow will be hosting free shows on July 22. Titled “The Earth Laughs in Flowers,” this event pays tribute to Ralph Waldo Emerson, who inspired the development of the Catskill Forest Preserve through his renowned essay “Nature.” It serves as a reminder of the natural beauty that surrounds the Emerson Resort and Spa, making the Kaatskill Kaleidoscope an even more enticing destination.
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