“Eternal Notre-Dame” is a technological challenge that allows the public to immerse themselves in the heart of the history of Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral and its treasures, from its construction in the Middle Ages to the current restoration site. . A journey through time and space, which allows everyone to discover an emblematic monument in all its aspects, by living a real experience where all visitors become real actors in the rebirth of the monument.
An immersion in virtual reality at the service of History
Welcomed in a dedicated space of approximately 500 m2, visitors who can live the experience alone or with others, are equipped with an immersive device (virtual reality headset and backpack, the “backpack” known to gamers). Led by a companion of duty in a story that crosses the centuries, they explore the different eras of Notre-Dame de Paris and discover the cathedral and its environment, totally recreated digitally. The realism of the virtual reconstruction of the building, faithfully reproduced from scientific surveys and precise historical sources, reinforces the immersion and involvement of visitors. The scenario is adapted to the typology of the space and offers complete freedom of movement.
A completely new creation by recognized players
Welcomed in a dedicated space of approximately 500 m2, visitors who can live the experience alone or with others, are equipped with an immersive device (virtual reality headset and backpack, the “backpack” known to gamers). Led by a companion of duty in a story that crosses the centuries, they explore the different eras of Notre-Dame de Paris and discover the cathedral and its environment, totally recreated digitally. The realism of the virtual reconstruction of the building, faithfully reproduced from scientific surveys and precise historical sources, reinforces the immersion and involvement of visitors. The scenario is adapted to the typology of the space and offers complete freedom of movement.
A completely new creation by recognized players
The Orange Group and Amaclio Productions, together with the virtual reality company Emissive and the author-scenographer Bruno Seillier, have developed this completely new content, served by high-performance immersive virtual reality technology. The Orange group finances the production of the content of the experience and brings its technical expertise to this ambitious and highly technological project. He ensures the feasibility of the experiment and coordinates all the players and partners. Amaclio Productions, a company recognized for its large format shows in many monuments (the Invalides, the Mont-Saint-Michel abbey, the Palais des Papes or the medieval city of Carcassonne), is responsible for the production of the immersive expedition in “Eternal Notre-Dame” virtual reality and its use. The company Emissive, already known for the “Mona Lisa: Beyond the glass” experience at the Louvre Museum, is the creator of the precursor format in virtual reality: “immersive expeditions”. Emissive ensures the production of “Eternal Notre-Dame” Bruno Seillier, author and scenographer particularly known for the shows “Dame de coeur” or “La Nuit aux Invalides”, is in charge of the artistic direction and the scripting of the project “Eternal Notre-Dame “. He oversees the artistic quality and historical basis of the experience. The Diocese of Paris, the public establishment responsible for the conservation and restoration of the cathedral and the City of Paris are supporting the project.
A scenario that leads visitors to discover the monument
The journey is experienced as an initiation for all visitors, guided and instructed by the companion who accompanies them throughout this immersive expedition. The latter follows a subtle progression, at the same time geographical, historical and luminous. Gradually, the visitor indeed gains in understanding of the building and its various parts, touches with the finger the extent of the work necessary for the construction of the cathedral, but also for its eternal restoration and transformation. He thus perceives the deep meaning of Notre-Dame de Paris, which is much more than a stone monument: a place crossed by history and by the hope of the men who have marked it with their passage and their faith. .
An incredible time travel
“Eternal Notre-Dame” realizes the dream that every enthusiast may have had one day: that of going back in time and being able to teleport to another era. A real journey into the past, the experience takes visitors on a fantastic expedition over more than 800 years, from the 12th century to today. Historical context, old and new construction techniques – the parallel being made with the construction site. of current restoration – but also evocation of major events hosted over the centuries by the cathedral and meeting with its various protagonists: “Eternal Notre-Dame” is not a simple visit, but indeed a journey that will certainly disorient visitors, amazed to find themselves still in the 21st century at the end of the experience.
A free access space dedicated to the history and construction of the cathedral
At the Espace Grande Arche in La Défense, visitors will also have free access, as a prelude to their visit, to a 500 m2 space dedicated to the cathedral, its history and its construction site: • A space designed by the public establishment which will present, in order to fulfill its mission of promotion: – an exclusive immersive film of about fifteen minutes – a selection of exceptional photographs of the major highlights of the site accompanied by explanatory texts and the major stages of the restoration which gives the floor to the main players on the site, presents the main operations of the securing and restoration phase. – A space designed by the diocesan association of Paris, which presents: elements of the heritage of the cathedral: statues, paintings, pieces of goldsmithery and liturgical ornaments, in parallel and in connection with the “Eternal Notre-Dame » ; – a chronological presentation of the major stages in the construction of the cathedral.
A strong and innovative commitment to keep the cathedral alive
After the fire of April 15, 2019 and when the phase of securing the monument was completed, Orange and Amaclio Productions want to allow everyone to visit the cathedral in a different way, closed to the public until 2024 for its restoration. Virtual reality is becoming a means of cultural mediation in the service of promoting a monument whose destruction has aroused great emotion all over the world. The experience gives everyone the opportunity to appropriate this unique place.
Notre-Dame de Paris reopens its doors thanks to “Eternal Notre-Dame”, which revives and magnifies it.
This experience also contributes to bringing the cathedral back to life, as part of the collective work of its restoration. By taking part in this adventure, the public contributes to the financing of the reconstruction work: 30% of the ticket price will be donated in full by Orange to the public establishment for the restoration work of the cathedral and to the Notre Dame Foundation. for financing Notre-Dame’s interior design program. Each visitor will thus become a donor.
A technological feat
“Eternal Notre-Dame” is the first such successful experience of its kind in the world. First of all in its production: attention has been paid to the smallest visual and sound details. Next, in sensations: the visitor has the illusion of physically feeling his journey; when the visit takes him to the heights of the cathedral for example, the visitor will thus have the impression of feeling the weather or the reliefs. The decorations are of an impressive quality and of a very great precision. It is indeed a real technical feat: 2 years of content development with a technical team of 25 experts, for an experience of no less than 45 minutes, achievable by 50 visitors per hour simultaneously on an area of 500 m2. At the dawn of the “Metaverses”, these famous meta-universes which we regularly talk to you about on the air of France Bleu and which will allow us to immerse ourselves in virtual reality in interactive 3D environments make it possible to limit the interference of reality, while ensuring the safety of visitors. The technique disappears to highlight the artistic and historical content of this immersive expedition. Indeed, during their experience, only a few discreet symbols reassure visitors, without pulling them out of their immersion. The whole route is led by a companion who will be their landmark and their guide for the entire journey through time.
- 850 years of travel
- 500 m2 area
- 2 years of development
- 50 simultaneous visitors
- 5 Historical and Scientific Experts
- 45 minutes of experience
Find out more: https://www.eternellenotredame.com/