Image: atelier-lumieres.com
Atelier des Lumières has opened a new immersive experience devoted to the Italian Renaissance, titled 'Renaissance: De Vinci, Raphaël, Michel-Ange'. The project brings together Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael and Michelangelo in a single 52-minute presentation that the venue describes as an entirely renewed version of its immersive format, with new scenographic effects and a revised visual structure.
According to the venue’s announcement, the experience is designed to place visitors inside the worlds of three artists whose work transformed ideas of the human body, composition and perspective. The presentation frames Leonardo through his scientific curiosity and inventions, Raphael through the harmony of his compositions, and Michelangelo through the monumental force of his sculpture. Atelier des Lumières says the show offers a fresh look at their best-known works rather than a conventional historical survey.
The production relies on a combination of scans in high definition, 3D modelling, atmospheric effects and spatial sound. The venue says it uses 140 video projectors, with the works unfolding around visitors in a three-dimensional setting, while fog, smoke and lasers are introduced for the first time in this context. A narrated soundtrack accompanies the projections, with French narration and English subtitles.
The creative team named by Atelier des Lumières includes Jean-Baptiste Hardoin, described as the director of creation, working with Studio Cutback. Thomas Dechandon, noted for light design for the Paris 2024 Olympic ceremonies, is credited with orchestrating the lighting. Florian Métral, a researcher specializing in the Renaissance, is identified as the project’s historical and scientific adviser. Féodor Atkine provides the narration, and Troublemakers composed the original soundtrack.
The venue also positions the show as part of its broader programme of digital and immersive art experiences. The website highlights the project as a “creation immersive” and invites visitors to travel “from Florence to Rome” through major masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance. Alongside the main presentation, the ticket includes access to 'L’Atelier des enfants', where younger visitors can explore Leonardo’s world, colour his machines and see their creations come to life.
Practical information published by Atelier des Lumières says the show runs Monday to Saturday until 2 July, then on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 7 July onward. It is listed at Atelier des Lumières, 38 rue Saint-Maur, 75011 Paris, with variable session times to be checked at booking. The presentation is recommended for all audiences aged 7 to 77, is accessible to wheelchair users, and is priced from €12.50, with a €1 online discount compared with the on-site rate. The venue also notes that admission is free for children under three.
