Montreal, Canada
Heritage sites worldwide are facing declining attendance and funding challenges, but the AURA series offers a dazzling solution.
This permanent, site-specific multimedia experience, crafted by global entertainment studio Moment Factory over nine years, now graces four iconic landmarks: Montreal’s Notre-Dame Basilica, Paris’s Dôme des Invalides, San Francisco’s Grace Cathedral, and Quebec City’s Saint-Roch Church.
By blending precise projection mapping, original orchestral scores, and subtle lighting, AURA transforms these spaces after dark, unveiling hidden architectural gems like vaulted ceilings and stone textures that daylight obscures.
The series has garnered top honors, including a THEA Award for Outstanding Achievement, multiple PRIX NUMIX awards, and a recent win in the Communication Arts Interactive Competition.
Unlike fleeting light shows, AURA installations are built for longevity, collaborating closely with site stewards to meet strict conservation standards.
Equipment hides seamlessly in matching materials, letting the site’s spirit—its genius loci—shine without distraction.
Launched in 2017 at Notre-Dame Basilica for Montreal’s 375th anniversary, AURA proved immersive tech could enhance worship spaces, inspiring awe across ages.
The 2023 Paris edition tackled the massive 3,500 m² gilded dome at UNESCO-listed Hôtel des Invalides, calibrating visuals and acoustics for a space where echoes last 10 seconds.
In 2025, Grace Cathedral’s Neo-Gothic vaults dialogued nature and spirituality, reflecting San Francisco’s ethos, while Saint-Roch Church wove local landscapes and cultural evolution.
New features include voice-overs and a web app for real-time translations and history.
Behind the magic lies technical wizardry: 3D drone scanning creates pixel-perfect models for projection, paired with custom acoustics via Moment Factory’s X-Agora software.
“Heritage demands precision and respect,” says Creative Director Patricia Ruel.
“Each site inspires us to rediscover its soul.” Father Julien Guillot of St-Roch adds, “AURA shares our heritage widely, ensuring permanence.”
Economically, AURA has welcomed 2.2 million visitors since 2017, generating millions for maintenance—57% out-of-town in Montreal alone—boosting tourism.
Tailored to styles like Neo-Gothic and French Classical Baroque, it’s reversible and non-intrusive.
As heritage evolves, AURA proves sites can thrive as living destinations.
About Moment Factory
Moment Factory, headquartered in Montreal with global offices, pioneers immersive experiences for 25 years.
Its multidisciplinary team has delivered 600+ projects, from Lumina Night Walks to collaborations with Disney, Billie Eilish, and FIFA, blending storytelling, tech, and effects to foster wonder.
Project name: AURA series
Designer: Moment Factory
Manufacturer: Moment Factory
