Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal will open its doors for a unique luminous experience by Moment Factory

From March 20 at the Notre-Dame Basilica

MONTRÉAL, Feb. 28, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - As part of Montreal's 375th anniversary, the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal will present AURA, a unique immersive experience in the heart of the Basilica, designed by the renowned Moment Factory team.

"The Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal, an emblematic and patrimonial building, is an attraction for tourists visiting the metropolis. The Government of Quebec is pleased to support this spectacular luminous experience, which will highlight the architectural grandeur of this place of worship in the province of Quebec", said the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy, Minister of Public Security and Minister responsible for the Montréal region, Mr. Martin Coiteux.

"As we celebrate the 375th anniversary of our founding, the time is right for Montrealers to rediscover the Notre-Dame Basilica and to highlight it for everyone to enjoy. Thanks to the luminous, musical experience designed by Moment Factory, the Basilica dives right into the 21^st century, into the digital multimedia era. Which just goes to show that even a 188-year-old institution can be a part of our smart city," said Denis Coderre, Mayor of Montréal.

"AURA offers a daring bridge between our heritage and our future. The Montreal 375th celebrations offer the ideal pretext to revisit this architectural symbol. It is an exceptional showcase of our city's vitality. This unique experience is the work of our local creatives," added Mr. Gilbert Rozon, Commissioner for Celebrations of Montreal's 375th anniversary.

"The Notre-Dame Basilica transcends time and remains a cornerstone of our city, our history and our culture. With the AURA experience, we are pleased to be able to celebrate the Basilica's historical heritage and to affirm its openness to the world," said Madame Manon Blanchette, President and CEO of the Fabrique de la Paroisse Notre-Dame of Montréal.

"The collaboration with the Fabrique de la Paroisse Notre-Dame de Montreal is in line with our wish to create collective experiences in heritage sites, both here and elsewhere, just as we did when we lit the façade of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona in 2011. The AURA experience in the Basilica highlights all of the grace and incredible detail of its exceptional architecture," said Éric Fournier, Partner and Executive Producer at Moment Factory.

"Tourisme Montreal is proud to recognize this important project for tourism in Montreal. This initiative of Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal in association with Moment Factory adds an innovative, unique product to Montreal's tourist attractions. It also spotlights one of the jewels of religious tourism in Montreal. The Basilica can count on Tourisme Montreal's cooperation to spread the word internationally about the exceptional offering that is AURA," said Yves Lalumière, President and Chief Executive Officer of Tourisme Montreal.

The Notre-Dame Basilica features the beauty and richness of its heritage

This grandiose, innovative artistic project sheds new light on the history and architecture of the Basilica as well as on the art that can be found within its walls. Visitors will be moved and amazed when they experience this immersive, powerful creation.

AURA begins with a lighted path that draws us to the Basilica and reveals its splendour. A progressive immersion in a captivating universe of light and sound guides us to the very heart of Notre-Dame. 

Light, orchestral music and majestic architecture unite to offer a multimedia show that takes place in three acts. Let yourself be transported by the striking energy.  

AURA will help visitors discover one of Canada's greatest heritage monuments it in a whole new way and will move them with its portrayal of its treasures.

About the Fabrique de la Paroisse Notre-Dame de Montréal
In 2017, the Fabrique de la Paroisse Notre-Dame de Montreal will celebrate its 360 years of existence. An venerable institution, it is above all respected for its social implication while being inextricably entwined with the history of Montreal. The Fabrique has owned the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal since 1829, some 188 years.

Its mission is twofold and consists of maintaining and developing favourable conditions for the expression of liturgical life and ensuring optimum conservation, knowledge and appreciation of the Basilica's historical, architectural, pictorial and sculptural heritage. For many years, it has demonstrated its openness to urban life, by taking advantage of its privileged location and by hosting various cultural events.

About the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal
As the site of numerous historical events since the 19^th century, the Notre-Dame Basilica has long been a focal point in Montreal's history and constitutes a significant part of Montreal's Catholic religious heritage. Its immense volume built in the neo-Gothic style, its refined furnishings and works of religious art are heritage treasures whose conservation and presentation are essential.

About Moment Factory
Moment Factory is a multimedia entertainment studio specializing in the conception and production of immersive environments. By combining video, lighting, architecture, sound and special effects, Moment Factory crafts memorable experiences. Since its founding in 2001, Moment Factory has created more than 350 shows in destinations around the world for clients such as Céline Dion, Nine Inch Nails, Madonna, Microsoft, Sony, the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona and the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

About the Society for the Celebrations of Montreal's 375th Anniversary
The Society for the Celebrations of Montreal's 375th Anniversary is a non-profit organization whose mission is to organize the festivities and socioeconomic initiatives that will mark Montreal's 375th birthday in 2017. With a focus on promoting Montreal expertise, it acts as a catalyst for initiatives that come together to fulfill its mandate: to mobilize the community, implement a funding strategy, manage financial resources wisely, develop an exceptional program of events and promote the festivities.

The Society receives financial support from the Ville de Montreal, the gouvernement du Québec, and private funding from twelves great Montrealers. To learn more: 375mtl.com

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To learn more about the contribution of the gouvernement du Québec to Montréal's 375th anniversary, click here.

SOURCE La Fabrique de la paroisse Notre-Dame de Montréal

Media requests: Sylvie Savard, Annexe Communications, [email protected], 514 844-8864, ext. 201