Thousands gathered on Saturday night to watch the Bloor Viaduct light up in celebration of the upcoming Pan Am Games.

The “Luminous Veil” that now adorns the bridge is made of 35,000 LED lights strung across the structure.

Luminous Veil

Unlike regular LED lights, however, those on the Bloor Viaduct change colour according to the wind, temperature and season, creating an ever-changing light show.

First built in 1918, the Bloor Viaduct connects Bloor Street to Danforth Road over the Don Valley.

Bloor Viaduct

The Luminous Veil was originally planned as part of the safety barrier that was constructed along the bridge in 2003. Toronto-based artist Dereck Revington designed the barrier, but the lighting component was not realized until this weekend.

While Saturday’s illumination was meant as a celebration of the Pan Am games, the $2.8-million project will remain in place even after the sporting event.

At veil’s inaugural illumination, Mayor John Tory said the project will be part of the Pan Am Games’ lasting legacy for the city.

“We’re also going to have things that survive these games as lasting legacies: a great new neighbourhood down by the waterfront; the train to the airport that I assure you would not be running if it wasn’t for the pan Am Games; and this project right here is a part of the funding that you helped supply through your tax dollars to make something that will be here for a long time to come,” Tory said.

Saturday night’s celebrations also featured a performance by Canadian band July Talk and the bridge was closed to automotive traffic to accommodate the dance party.