Aura Invalides’ Grand Opening Lights Up a Parisian Landmark

September 27, 2023

As night falls, the Dôme des Invalides comes to life, with light, orchestral music, and video mapping revealing its monumental beauty and rich heritage with AURA Invalides, an original creation by Moment Factory, produced by Cultival in partnership with the Musée de l’Armée.

Over the course of nearly 50 minutes, visitors are invited to partake in a sensory nighttime exploration. Guided by light, they wander through the Dome and its six chapels, where the previously unseen gradually comes into view, allowing them to attune to their surroundings and the magnificent aura it exudes.

The immersive AURA experience consists of three acts, each portraying a distinct dimension of the landmark’s foundation: its original construction, the memories it animates, and its capacity to inspire all who enter it.

Designed to stimulate the imagination of audiences of all ages, AURA Invalides invites visitors to be swept away in moments of collective wonder, fostering a deep and unique connection between public and place, as well as among the visitors themselves. Offering a 360-degree panorama of content, an expansive projection surface, and intricate details that can’t be fully appreciated in a single viewing, the experience invites repeat visits.

Technology in Service of History & Heritage

The Dôme des Invalides is one of the most ambitious projection surfaces that Moment Factory has ever had the privilege to work on. With a height of over 90 meters and a crowning dome with a minimum diameter of 30 meters, the structure presented a substantial technical challenge to the studio’s teams. In all, they mapped more than 45 million pixels across a projection surface of 3,500 square meters.

Their goal was to create an immersive environment in which visitors would feel completely enveloped — in light, image and sound. To accomplish this, Moment Factory’s technical and creative teams deployed numerous projectors and a spatialized sound technique. The convergence of sound and visuals heightens the immersive effect, creating the feeling of being plunged into the experience. Original orchestral music, specially created for the experience, blends with video mapping and lighting to transport visitors, inviting them to (re)discover this architectural marvel and iconic symbol of French heritage through an emotional lens.

Moment Factory Brings French Expertise

Moment Factory has been present in France for more than 7 years, during which it has forged close ties with local partners and executed a number of large-scale projects. AURA Invalides, developed in collaboration with the company’s Montreal headquarters, is its latest.

Since the launch of its Paris office, the studio has executed events for prestigious brands like Moët & Chandon and Renault, permanent installations in hotels and casinos like the Grand Magic Hotel and Le Pasino Partouche in Aix En Provence, collaborations with renowned artists like Bigflo & Oli and Jain, and enchanted night walks such as Alta Lumina in Gets and Oceana Lumina at the Arsenal of Rochefort. Moment Factory has also played a role in showcasing local heritage with ambitious projects like Regalia, a multimedia show displayed on the facades of the Notre-Dame Cathedral of Reims and the Basilica of Saint-Rémi, both recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, in addition to Soissons en Lumières.

Moment Factory’s Paris office is located in the 11th arrondissement and brings together 25 multidisciplinary talents working on projects from their conceptualization to production.

Learn more about AURA Invalides or purchase your tickets at: aura-invalides.com

More information available here

Related Articles


Changing Scene

  • Contact Delage Announces New Partnership with Zilux

    Contact Delage: New Representation Agreement – Zilux

    Contact Delage is pleased to announce a new partnership with Zilux for the representation of their products in the regions of Montreal, Laval, Estrie, Lanaudière, Laurentides, and Montérégie. Specializing in the design of aluminum lighting and urban furniture, Zilux, a Quebec-based manufacturer, combines innovation and durability to enhance your outdoor design projects. Their expertise in… Read More…

  • Mac’s II Agencies Announces Jamie Capell as the New Sales Manager for Lighting Specification

    Expanding Expertise: Mac’s II Agencies Strengthens Lighting Division

    Mac’s II Agencies is pleased to announce the expansion of its lighting division with the addition of Jamie Capell as the Sales Manager for Lighting Specification. Jamie brings 25 years of experience in the lighting and electrical industry, most notably serving as the Director of Sales for a local lighting agency in British Columbia. With… Read More…


Design

  • Light ARchitect Is Revolutionizing Lighting Design for Architects & Designers

    Light ARchitect Is Revolutionizing Lighting Design for Architects & Designers

    Traditionally, lighting design could be a tedious process, often involving physical mockups, time-consuming calculations, and static renderings using multiple software tools. With advancing technology, these traditional methods are giving way to more sophisticated tools that enhance precision, speed, and visualization. On the downside, many of the new tools are not particularly intuitive and the learning… Read More…

  • Project Story: Sainte-Thérèse High School Outdoor Lighting Upgrade

    Project Story: Sainte-Thérèse High School Outdoor Lighting Upgrade

    August 6, 2024 Built in 1980, the building that houses Sainte-Thérèse high school, in Quebec Canada, was looking a little worse for the wear. Renovation work began with two major projects: introducing a multidisciplinary sports centre, as well as redesigning the parking lots.  The employee and visitor parking lots were completely reconfigured during phase 1… Read More…


New Products

  • Magic Lite: New 5-Channel High-Performance LED Amplifier

    Magic Lite: New 5-Channel High-Performance LED Amplifier

    Designed for professional-grade LED systems, the 5-Channel High-Performance Amplifier delivers precision, scalability, and reliability. Using advanced MOSFET technology and high-speed 10Mbps optical couplers, this amplifier ensures robust power output and flawless signal transmission across large-scale, synchronized LED applications. Whether expanding capacity for PWM controllers or enhancing system stability, this amplifier simplifies complex lighting designs while… Read More…

  • Eureka: Lattice – 3D Printed Ceiling Suspended Fixture

    Eureka: Lattice – 3D Printed Ceiling Suspended Fixture

    Lattice is a one-of-a-kind 3D metal printed fixture. Layer upon layer of intricately braided aluminum branches meld into one of three comprehensive shapes. The result is a stunning glowing light fixture that will add a luxurious feel to ambient environments. EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE ON DEMAND. Read More…