Luminescent Celestial Odyssey: the new show at Saint-Eustache Church unveiled, photos

Remember, in 2024, we fell in love with this spectacle that brought the church in the heart of the Halles district back to life. This year, Luminiscence returns to the 1st arrondissement of Paris with an even more ambitious, revamped, and grandiose version. L'Odyssée Céleste promises a sensory journey where cutting-edge technology meets heritage, delivering a truly spectacular experience. This technical marvel, touted as the first European show entirely projected in 3D inside a historic monument, transforms Saint-Eustache into a living painting. We’re excited to take you inside this incredible cultural gem, which we had the pleasure of previewing firsthand.

Under the vast vaulted ceilings of the church, centuries-old stones become the canvas for breathtaking visual storytelling. Stained glass windows transform into shimmering constellations, the columns seem to breathe in sync with the projection, and the Gothic architecture is adorned with colors and shapes that defy imagination. Instead of just watching a show, spectators embark on a true odyssey, where every architectural detail sparks wonder. Bigger and more impressive than the previous edition, this new spectacle has truly captivated us. The church seems to breathe, vibrate, and transform before our eyes, much like the most stunning sound and light shows that Paris has to offer.

The story of Celestial Odyssey is structured around a three-part timeline that takes us through the ages. The past pays homage to the builders and thinkers inspired by nature and the stars, who conceived the sacred geometry of the cathedral. We discover how these visionary architects translated heavenly perfection into stone, creating a space where the divine and human realms intersect. The present honors living matter, the dancing light on the walls, the stones that whisper centuries of stories, and the artisans and artists whose hands continue to keep this extraordinary heritage alive. The future invites us to imagine the church of tomorrow — a space thriving through shared knowledge, the blending of the arts, and collective emotion.

The Central Halo: The Show's Crown Jewel and Major Innovation

As the centerpiece of the stage design for L'Odyssée Céleste at Saint-Eustache, the Nimbe is an innovative and breathtaking light installation that truly captivated us. Inspired by traditional halos, this imposing monumental luminous ring nearly three meters in diameter reimagines light as a dynamic, storytelling element. Placed at the heart of the choir, it not only shapes the visual space but also becomes a key feature of the artistic direction. Complementing the 360-degree projections, the Nimbe delivers an astonishing augmented mapping experience. Its shifting light patterns, perfectly synchronized with the projections and performers, alter the way the space is perceived and emphasize the show's key moments. Combining addressable LEDs, tulle projections, and luminous sculpture, the Nimbe develops a unique aesthetic. Through the symbolic circle within the sacred space, it embodies a convergence of spirituality, architecture, and cutting-edge technology.

A Soundtrack Reimagined by a Philharmonic Orchestra

Music also takes a more prominent role compared to the previous edition. Crafted with a distinctly cinematic vision, the soundtrack becomes the invisible thread weaving through the show, linking each image and every emotion. It doesn't just accompany the lighting; it tells stories, hints at sensations, and breathes alongside it. Classical repertoire is reimagined through a contemporary lens, enriched by immersive sound design that blends layers, impacts, and resonances to deepen the sensory connection between sight and sound. Recorded by the Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra, featuring over 50 musicians and 24 singers, the soundtrack revisits masterpieces by Satie, Beethoven, and Vivaldi. Surrounding the audience with an innovative sound system designed to enhance the remarkable acoustics of Saint-Eustache, the music becomes a living element—material, movement, and emotion.

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A live choir and orchestra — the true highlight

The presence of a live orchestra visible through the Nimbe adds a genuine richness to the experience. Every evening, the voices of the Ensemble Aura Vocis choir, conducted by Stéphane Hézode or Anne-Catherine Picca, accompany the show’s original soundtrack. Situated live at the heart of the building, the choristers bring a deeply human and collective dimension to the spectacle. On special nights, the LUMINISCENCE Orchestra, made up of 15 musicians—including violinists, cellist, bassist, trumpeters, trombonist, harpist, flutist, and organist—led by conductor Pierre-Alexis Touzeau, elevates the choir’s voices to a new level of grandeur.

Six extraordinary weekends featuring live orchestral performances are scheduled for February 20-21, February 27-28, March 6-7, March 13-14, March 21, and March 27-28, 2026. We highly recommend these concerts, which promise an immersive audio experience unlike any traditional classical concert.

How Technology Elevates Cultural Heritage

The figures are staggering and highlight the scale of the project. Nine months of dedicated work were needed to bring this monumental creation to life. The team, made up of 20 specialists—including developers, 3D modellers, motion designers, and technical artists—conducted 40 detailed scans to recreate the cathedral down to the finest detail. Each video projection features 50,000 frames, ensuring incredibly smooth and precise visuals. On the sound front, the ambition is just as grand, with 50 musicians and 24 choir members crafting an original soundtrack. In total, over 250 audio tracks form the soundscape of the show, with around 20% of those sounds entirely created specifically for the event. This rich sonic environment immerses the audience in a sensory cocoon that amplifies the impact of the visual projections.

A Project Committed to Preserving Heritage

As Romain Sarfati, co-founder and CEO of LOTCHI, explains, "with this second show, LUMINISCENCE continues to pursue the same mission since its inception: to showcase the emotional power of heritage through an artistic, immersive experience accessible to all." Highlighting heritage is important, but helping to preserve it is even better. It's worth noting that LUMINISCENCE is committed to heritage preservation. Founded in 2023 by LOTCHI, LUMINISCENCE creates immersive experiences that blend digital technology with live music to celebrate and safeguard iconic cultural sites worldwide. Dedicated to conserving our heritage, LUMINISCENCE donates a portion of its proceeds to the restoration of the monuments it features, with over one million euros already invested in preserving these exceptional locations.

In short, if you're looking for an original cultural outing to kick off the year, we're heading to discover this immersive experience that promises to offer a completely new perspective on one of Paris’s most beautiful landmarks. L’Odyssée Céleste is shaping up to be a must-see for fans of visual and auditory spectacles, where cutting-edge technology is used to evoke emotion and celebrate heritage. The show takes place at the Saint-Eustache Church, located at 2 Impasse Saint-Eustache in the 1st arrondissement, just a short walk from Les Halles metro station. Performances start on January 23, 2026, and tickets are available on the official website. Prices start from just 15 euros.

This test was conducted as part of a professional invitation. If your experience differs from ours, please let us know.