Magical lighting, orchestral music and video mapping showcase the site's incredible architecture from the most spectacular sections to the smallest details, with the inside of this iconic Parisian landmark coming to life and taking on its true power.
Photo:Agence CULTIVALAura Invalides will open on 22 September for several seasons.
An original creation creating an interplay between historic heritage and digital culture Aura Invalides is a gargantuan creation where lighting, orchestral music and video mapping meet the majestic architecture of the Dôme des Invalides, whose golden curves have brightened the Parisian skyline for over three hundred years.
It is an unforgettable journey that takes in historic and architectural heritage.
Photo:Agence CULTIVALFor 50 minutes in the evening after the sun sets, visitors can enjoy a timeless shared experience under the painted 60-metre dome, where classical architecture and digital creations come together in a series of spellbinding and sonorous scenes.
Produced by the Cultival agency and designed by the Moment
Factory international multimedia creation studio, in collaboration with the Musée de l'Armée, Aura Invalides encourages you to see the outstanding Les Invalides heritage from a new perspective and (re)discover all it has to offer.
A timeless experience
Inaugurated by Louis XIV in 1706, the Dôme des Invalides — which has housed Napoleon Bonaparte's tomb since 1861 — is both the majestic setting and the protagonist of the immersive Aura Invalides experience.
Photo:Agence CULTIVALThe artistic teams have designed a work of images and sound inspired by the site's symbolism and genius to reveal the full extent of the creativity employed by its architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart.
As visitors walk around the experience, which is divided into three sections: construction, memories and elevation, they feel at one with the landmark and revel in a timeless escape from their normal lives.
An artistic, technical and architectural challenge
The landmark's enormous size posed an unprecedented challenge for the creators at Cultival's partner, the Moment Factory multimedia studio. For over a year, multidisciplinary teams specialising in video, projection,lighting, sound design and special effects worked on the project's artistic, technical and architectural design with the aim of glorifying the Dôme's imposing architecture from all angles, down to the smallest details.
They also worked in close collaboration with scientific teams from the Musée de l'Armée. Aura Invalides is the fruit of this extensive creative work by passionate teams who specialise in showcasing heritage and the digital arts.
The public can enjoy this monumental experience from 22 September.
USEFUL INFORMATION
Experience accessible to all ages; recommended from age 5.
Prices:
• Adult: €24
• Ages 16 to 26: €15
• Ages 5 to 15: €10
Address: 2 place Vauban: Dôme des Invalides side
Open: all year round from 22 September 2023;
booking required
Public transport: Invalides, La Tour-Maubourg and
Varenne metro stations
Bookings: www.aura-invalides.com
aura@cultival.fr
ABOUT CULTIVAL
Cultival is an expert in unique cultural excursions and a leading creator of immersive experiences in prestigious locations.
As Île-de-France's foremost provider of unparalleled cultural visits, Cultival has used its expertise to create unique guided tours at over 15 iconic Parisian sites during its 22 years in operation.
Hundreds of thousands of visitors have used it to explore Palais Garnier, Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris, UNESCO, the Manufacture des Gobelins, Stade Roland-Garros and Stade de France.
Since 2018, the Cultival agency has added a new strategic string to its bow, producing exclusive and unforgettable immersive experiences at heritage sites: Assassin’s Creed at Les Invalides and Arsène Lupin and the secret of the Opera at Palais Garnier.
Cultival has been the Musée de l'Armée's exclusive partner for guided tours since 2013. The adventure now continues with an amazing immersive experience at the Dôme des Invalides.
More information: www.cultival.fr
ABOUT THE MUSÉE DE L’ARMÉE - INVALIDES
Located at the Hôtel National des Invalides, the Musée de l'Armée takes visitors back in France's history through the prism of military events and battles. This museum of history, fine arts, science and technology has one of the world's most extensive military history collections.
It is also home to the famous Dôme des Invalides, which houses the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte. With 1.2 million annual visitors, the Musée de l'Armée is one of Paris's most popular museums.
The Musée de l'Armée is currently undertaking a significant extension and transformation project to be completed by 2030, known as MINERVE. It will eventually become the museum of France's international history through the lens of military events, with a comprehensive and resilient curatorial approach taking account of the country's interactions with the world and giving the floor to otherness.
ABOUT MOMENT FACTORY
Moment Factor is a multimedia studio that brings together a wide range of expertise: the team includes specialists in video, lighting, architecture, sound and special effects to create memorable experiences. Based in Montreal, the studio also has offices in Tokyo, Paris, New York and Singapore. Since it was founded in 2001, Moment Factory has undertaken over 525 uniqueprojects around the world, including the Lumina night walks. Its clients include Reims Cathedral, Singapore Changi Airport, Jain, Microsoft, Disney, Montreal's Notre-Dame Basilica, Universal Studios, Singapore Zoo and Muse.