A Water Show
for the
100th Anniversary
of the
Autonomous
Port of Strasbourg
- City : Strasbourg, France
- 2026
Founded in 1926, the Autonomous Port of Strasbourg celebrated its centennial in September 2026 with four days of festivities held in the northern part of the port, in the heart of the Commerce Basin and at the foot of the Harbor Master’s Office.
The highlight of these celebrations: every evening, the magic of water lit up the Commerce Basin with an exceptional water show visible from the banks.
From September 23 to 25, the 100th Anniversary celebration brought together business leaders, partners, and former employees for conferences, professional gatherings, and festive events, culminating in the official gala and the inauguration of the new river terminal. On Saturday, September 26, the public event “Le Port en vrai” brought the festivities to a closing with tours, walks, a naval parade, and numerous activities for everyone.
The water show in the heart of the port provided a magical conclusion to each day of celebration, transporting spectators into a port-themed world brought to life by water and light displays.
A spectacular water and light show
To celebrate this anniversary, Aquatique Show has created a spectacular water show spanning several nights, produced in collaboration with Lagoona by Novelty, which handled the lighting design.
A Vibrant Industrial Setting:
When the Port Becomes a Stage
Far from obscuring the harbor landscape, the stage design made the site’s activity a central part of the show. Under the coordination of the Autonomous Port of Strasbourg, the monumental container cranes and reach stackers were incorporated into the staging. Their imposing movements were choreographed in perfect harmony with the fountains and spotlights, creating a spectacular, immersive show.
A floating water show in a busy port area
Precise coordination among multiple trades (logistics, crane operations, electrical work, sound, lighting, and port services) was required. The installation, carried out entirely on floating structures, posed a real challenge given the strict site constraints:
Maintaining economic activity: The dancing fountains were installed in a designated area of the Commerce Basin to keep the passageway clear and avoid disrupting traffic.
Safety and logistics: Managing rail traffic (container trains in operation), adhering to storage zones, and complying with strict port regulations.
Technical and visual complexity: Managing remote communication between technicians and carefully monitoring the water show.
The effects featured in the water show
To enhance this massive space, Aquatique Show and Lagoona by Novelty brought to life a monumental stage measuring 175 meters long by 15 meters wide:
30 straight jets: A veritable wall of water jets rising up to 20 meters high.
8 Moving jets: Dynamic, adjustable effects that crisscross and interact with the other water effects, reaching 25 meters.
6 Flower jets: Majestic water blossoms reaching 20 meters high.
2 rotating Sun jets: Sparkling circular and floral patterns rising to 12 meters.
2 giant arches: Majestic water parabolas soaring up to 30 meters.
The 5-branches King Lys: The centerpiece of the stage design, shooting spectacular jets of water 30 meters into the air.
A historic institution: the Autonomous Port of Strasbourg
Since 1926, the Autonomous Port of Strasbourg has been located along the Rhine and has played a major role for a century in the transport of goods between France and other European countries. Over the decades, the site has expanded to include new docks, modern warehouses, and a diverse range of industrial activities.
Today, it stands as France’s second-largest inland port and a key hub for European trade. As the true beating heart of the local and cross-border economy, it brings together:
More than 500 companies based on the site.
10,000 employees who work there daily in the port area.
Nearly 6 million metric tons of river traffic and approximately 1 million metric tons of rail traffic per year (including grains, construction materials, and containers).
Looking toward the future, the Autonomous Port of Strasbourg is also fully committed to a broad ecological transition, combining industrial performance with sustainable development.
Combining technical expertise, logistical challenges, and the magic of water, the show celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Autonomous Port of Strasbourg will be remembered as an extraordinary achievement. By successfully blending the industrial atmosphere of the docks with the elegance of Aquatique Show’s creations, it was a resounding success that left a lasting impression and once again demonstrated the company’s expertise in creating bespoke experiences in exceptional settings.
