It’s been nearly ten years since the AURA show first debuted at the Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal. Located in the heart of Montreal’s Old Port, the basilica—a masterpiece of Gothic architecture—offers visitors an immersive experience in collaboration with Moment Factory.
“AURA is an awakening of the senses that allows you to see things from a different perspective. This show makes the basilica shine and offers an unexpected way to fully immerse yourself in its beauty,” — Marie-Pier Veilleux, Director of Public Affairs and International Relations at Moment Factory.
Designed to celebrate Montreal’s 375th anniversary and acclaimed by international critics, AURA has already been presented outside the city and the province more than 1,300 times between 2017 and 2020, to over 650,000 spectators from 137 countries. A timeless event that transcends generations, this show is accessible to Montreal residents year-round.
More recently, this visual and musical spectacle has incorporated the basilica’s organ into its symphony. Dedicated in 1891, this majestic instrument features 7,000 pipes, whose melodious sound resonates throughout the basilica. The organ’s powerful sound blends harmoniously with the basilica’s colorful lights.
This audiovisual experience aims to amplify and highlight the many facets and angles of the building’s Gothic architecture. AURA is thus a play of light and shadow, perspective and depth, music and song. It is a vibrant work of art where vivid colors complement the stained-glass windows and sculptures, bringing them to life, while the sound resonates with symphonic echoes in a solemn atmosphere.
The spacious interior, made possible by the Gothic architectural design—particularly the vaulted ceiling with arches soaring high toward the sky—allows for optimal acoustic resonance. The singing and audio effects fill the air. As for the statues and decorative elements, they all seem to be adorned in their most beautiful colors—luminous yet not blinding—signaling a divine presence beneath a starry roof.
“In its new format, AURA has become an experience worth rediscovering,” said Jean-Charles Boily, CEO of the Fabrique de la paroisse Notre-Dame de Montréal. “This extraordinary artistic project offers a fresh perspective on the architecture and art of the basilica, which will celebrate its 200th anniversary in 2029 and remains deeply rooted in Montreal’s cultural life.”
AURA is a true interdisciplinary feat, a mesmerizing performance in which inanimate “actors” enchant and captivate the senses with their graceful movements, colorful lights, and radio-like sounds. The orchestra, the lighting, the set pieces—each element forms part of a dazzling whole, a larger-than-life ensemble that transcends the self. Audience members leave the venue utterly delighted.
After the show, visitors also have the opportunity to explore the church. This chance to carefully observe every nook and cranny of this mystical building, in a warm and intimate atmosphere, allows us to learn more about the history and origins of this religious monument.
The basilica also offers guided tours of the premises. As you walk through the basilica, however, the issue lies in the portraits. These depict the philanthropic deeds of the nuns—a Bible in their hands—who often read stories with the aim of “educating and evangelizing” Indigenous girls. There is no specific information in the basilica that addresses this colonial past—one of the most atrocious chapters in Canadian history, encouraged by religious institutions, which were allies in these assimilation efforts.
What is the relevance of such a show in this colonial building in a contemporary society? What does the basilica have to offer in response? What about Moment Factory?
Éric Fournier, partner and executive producer at Moment Factory, stated: “We are very pleased to contribute to the revitalization of the entertainment industry by extending our partnership with the Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal. AURA offers visitors an immersive experience, highlighting the undeniable architectural value of this jewel of our heritage.”
Where is the line between creative freedom of cultural expression and respect for everyone’s dignity? Where do the lines between heritage and reconciliation begin to blur?
We must ask ourselves about the place of this colonial heritage and the value accorded to it within a society that claims to be progressive and egalitarian. Once again, it seems that commercial interests are taking precedence over the quest for justice and truth. While the staff at the Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal has only recently acknowledged that the building is located on unceded territories, they refuse to recognize that this “jewel” of historical heritage is a symbol of colonial oppression. Under the guise of a propaganda tool that mesmerizes uninformed spectators in the name of the arts and culture, the basilica is being exploited to convey a political message that attempts to whitewash the past of religious institutions. This is the pivotal role that a renowned heritage site plays in the ideological landscape.
For tickets and info on the Aura experience, click HERE.
