ST. PAUL, Minn. (OSV News) — A production that has captivated crowds in cathedrals across Europe — including in France, Germany and Spain — will make its United States debut at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis in late October.
Held indoors, the Luminiscence production will feature a 360-degree video projection onto the basilica’s walls as narration provides the church’s history in Minneapolis. Accompanying the projection and narration will be a live choir, organ and instrumental music.
Basilica’s 100th anniversary in 2026
As the basilica looks to 2026, when it will celebrate the 100th anniversary of its designation as the first U.S. basilica, Father Daniel Griffith said excitement is building for Luminiscence’s kickoff event in the U.S.
“We’re excited to welcome Luminiscence to The Basilica of St. Mary, opening our doors to everyone and inviting them to experience the sacred in a new way,” Father Griffith said in a statement. “At a moment when many are searching for deeper meaning, this immersive storytelling experience offers a unique path to reflection, connection and a renewed sense of community.”
Luminiscence’s visuals are displayed through a process called video mapping: Imagery is projected onto surfaces — in this case, the basilica’s walls, floor and ceiling — so the projected visuals align with the space’s contours and highlight the architecture. The production does include strobe lights, according to organizers.
3 types of musical performances
According to organizers, there will be three types of musical performances as part of the production: a live choir and orchestra version, a live choir version, and a recorded music version. The music will include selections from Bach, Beethoven, Debussy, Grieg, Faure, Schubert, Vivaldi, Verdi, Smetana, Moussorgsky and Saint-Saëns, among others, organizers said.
Luminiscence’s opening night at the basilica is Oct. 31 and the production at the church runs through mid-February. Each production runs just under an hour, according to organizers. People of all ages are welcome to attend, with various discounts on tickets for those under the age of 18, students, seniors, military members, larger groups and families.
Combining technology and storytelling
Romain Sarfati — co-founder of Lotchi, the multimedia group behind Luminiscence that is known for combining technology and storytelling in its large-scale productions — said the production is an opportunity to experience these landmark sites, including the basilica, in a new way.
“By blending light, sound and narration, we invite audiences of all ages and backgrounds to not just see sacred spaces, but to feel them, offering a fresh, universal perspective on history and memory,” Sarfati said in a statement.
Rebecca Omastiak is news editor for The Catholic Spirit, the news outlet of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. This story was originally published by The Catholic Spirit and distributed through a partnership with OSV News.
