Notre-Dame de Paris | An Augmented Exhibition by L’Oréal at Arsenal Montreal
In the heart of Montreal’s Griffintown, a rare and enchanting experience awaits at Arsenal Contemporary Art: Notre-Dame de Paris: The Augmented Exhibition. From November 3 to December 30, this groundbreaking exhibition, sponsored by L’Oréal Groupe, will take visitors on an immersive journey through the storied past, present, and future of France’s iconic Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral.
The entire world watched as the spire of Notre-Dame succumbed to flames on April 15, 2019, a sad turn of events which even brought some French Catholics and history buffs to tears in the streets of Paris!
From this poignant beginning, the exhibition delves into the UNESCO World Heritage site’s rich tapestry of history, from its initial construction in 1163 to its ongoing restoration efforts. Through the magic of augmented reality, the cathedral’s storied walls are brought to life, offering a full 360-degree voyage across time.
French innovation is at the forefront of this exhibition, with Histovery’s HistoPad™ taking center stage. Visitors can scan the “Gates of Time,” opening portals to a meticulously reconstructed past. Every detail, from the grandeur of the medieval architecture to the precision of 21st-century restoration techniques, has been expertly crafted in collaboration with historians to ensure authenticity.
The exhibition is more than a visual spectacle; it’s a celebration of heritage and craftsmanship. The restoration’s artisans, their skills highlighted within the interactive display, are the quiet heroes in the journey of renewal. This event is not just a window into history, but a tribute to human resilience and ingenuity.
Having graced global stages from Paris to Shanghai, the exhibition’s arrival in Montreal marks a significant moment in its international tour. Histovery’s co-founders, Bruno de Sa Moreira and Edouard Lussan, envision the exhibition as a bridge between cultures, an export of French heritage in a form both spectacular and universally accessible.
Philippe Jost of the Public Establishment overseeing the cathedral’s rebuild extends heartfelt thanks to L’Oréal for their support. The exhibition embodies a synergy of timeless history and cutting-edge technology, showcasing the ongoing expertise and dedication to Notre-Dame’s restoration.
An Verhulst-Santos, the first female President and CEO of L’Oréal Canada, expresses pride in bringing this cultural phenomenon to Canadian soil. For L’Oréal Canada – which is celebrating its 65th anniversary! – the beauty of Notre-Dame resonates beyond its walls. It symbolizes the beauty of culture, history, and forward-thinking innovation.
Histovery stands at the vanguard of this movement, using augmented reality to transform heritage into a dynamic, interactive narrative. With the HistoPad, history is no longer confined to the past; it is a living, breathing entity that nearly three million visitors a year engage with across twenty heritage sites.
Join this unprecedented exploration of Notre-Dame’s legacy, a story of creation, destruction, and rebirth. Tickets are available now, with special family passes for an educational and inspiring visit. Embrace the opportunity to witness the cathedral’s resurrection, a prelude to its grand reopening on December 7th, 2024.
About the Notre-Dame de Paris: The Augmented Exhibition
Location: Arsenal | 2020 William St, Montreal, Quebec H3J 1R8
Date: November 3 to December 30
Opening Hours:
Monday Closed
Tuesday to Saturday 10 AM – 7 PM (last ticket sold)
Sunday 10 AM – 4 PM
Holiday Season: Closed on December 24 and 25 (Sunday and Monday)
Tickets: Available for purchase online through Ticketpro
Website: notredameexpo.com/en | arsenalcontemporary.com/mtl
Facebook: @arsenalcontemporary | Instagram: @arsenalcontemporary
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