Notre-Dame de Paris hosts huge historical light show
An impressive light show is being projected onto the famous façade of the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, in memory of World War One, and the building’s long history in France.
Until November 11, the front of the famous cathedral will play host to a series of 17 light projections, designed by artistic director Bruno Seillier and named “The Invalid Night” (La Nuit Aux Invalides, or “injured veterans”), as part of what is being called the "Dame de Coeur" show.
The light effect has been created using new “mapping 3D” technology, explained the French newspaper Le Figaro. The show will play twice per night, four days’ a week; 19h30 and 21h Wednesday to Friday, and at 20h and 21h30 on Saturday.
The event seeks to demonstrate the incredible history of the building, through the lens of the tragedy of WWI, and especially in homage to the American soldiers who fought in France during the country’s time of deep peril.
The event focuses on one story in particular: that of a young, injured American WWI soldier, who, fearful that he may die without ever setting eyes on the famous cathedral, is told its story and importance throughout French history by his French nurse.
After 20 minutes of video projection, visitors are then invited inside the cathedral, which has itself a light show projected onto the vaulted ceiling and the huge musical organ.
Although all the free places for the shows have already gone, spectators can still watch the spectacle from afar, behind the cordons on Paris’ Rue de la Cité.
