In 1974, the Rubik's Cube invented by Professor Erno Rubik caused a global sensation and became an enduring classic puzzle. On Jan 19, a Rubik's Cube wall depicting the symbol of the Year of the Rat was erected in Haikou in Chinese mainland for the first time.
In cooperation with Mission Hills Group, the world's largest Rubik's Cube rat zodiac wall was created for the Spring Festival and Lantern Festival in Mission Hills Centreville, part of one of the largest Chinese New Year exhibitions in Hainan. Under the gaze of on-site visitors, it took Norwegian artist Torgeir Amundsen three days and three nights to complete the wall using 8,000 Rubik's Cubes.
The world's largest Rubik's Cube zodiac rat wall is displayed in Mission Hills Centreville. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
In September 2019, Torgeir Amundsen and Rubik's collaborated to lead 308 citizens to compose a 2.56 m X 2.05 m portrait of Britain's Prince Harry of using 1,620 Rubik's Cubes in London, which set a Guinness record as the most attended Rubik's Cube mosaic wall ever.
The portrait of British Prince Harry [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Amundsen, as an ambassador of Rubik's Cube, created in Haikou a traditional Chinese zodiac image of the rat. It took three days and three nights to build the giant rat zodiac mosaic wall, which attracted a crowd of citizens and tourists eager for a Chinese New Year surprise. In addition, two young artists from Russia used another 8,000 Rubik's Cubes to create the other 11 signs of the Chinese zodiac. All 12 Chinese zodiac signs are celebrating the coming Spring Festival.
At the opening ceremony, seven guests raised the last Rubik's Cubes by hand to complete the huge rat zodiac pattern.
Let's look for a moment at the birth of the Rubik's Cube. In 1974, Professor Erno Rubik from Budapest, Hungary, wanted to help his students to understand three-dimensional problems, so he created the first working prototype of a cube, which was unique in the world at the time. He subsequently added 54 colorful stickers on the six sides of the cube, giving it an iconic look. Since then, the Rubik's Cube has been in millions of households and been highly sought after. It is worth mentioning that when Erno Rubik built his first Rubik's Cube, it took him more than a month to finish it.
Shi Xin, the general manager of Mission Hills Centreville in Haikou, stated in his speech that he welcomed Rubik's Cube to China, to Haikou and Mission Hills Centreville. He introduced Mission Hills as positioned in Haikou's new fashion center, creating three themed business districts: an international boutique outlet, a sports outlet, and an entertainment area. With a large-scale distinctive indoor and outdoor aggregation space featuring openness and green ecology, it has become a top shopping destination for tourists and locals alike.
"Inspired by Hainan's comprehensive development of a free trade port, Mission Hills Centreville will further enhance its popularity with entertainment, provide consumers with a one-stop shopping experience, and focus on building a happy, fashionable and charming label," Shi said.
The themed exhibition of Rubik's Cube located at Mushroom Plaza, Mission Hills Centreville Haikou will continue from Jan 19 to Feb 9. In addition to the world's largest zodiac Rubik's Cube mosaic wall, there is also an interactive experience area, including a Rubik's Cube hut where you can take great pictures. You can also try out the table games and have a look of special editions of Rubik's Cubes, and purchase authentic Rubik's souvenirs. Experts on the spot will unlock the secret of the Rubik's Cube for you, so you will never be baffled by the puzzle again!
A boy poses with the Rubik's Cubes for pictures. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
From Jan 19 to Feb 9, go on a New Year's journey full of creativity and imagination to a wonderful not-to-be-missed exhibition. What are you waiting for? Come and unravel the Rubik's Cube mystery at Mission Hills Centreville, Haikou.
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