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Visionairs unveils debut exhibition featuring AR technology at Hong Kong’s first permanent location for ArtTech at WestK
Visionairs, the pioneering French cultural and educational organisation that brings history to life for its audiences, today announces its debut exhibition Notre-Dame de Paris, The Augmented Exhibition. Opening to the public on 8 December and running until 7 March 2025, the exhibition blends immersive augmented reality (AR) technology and artefacts to reveal the cathedral’s 850-year history. Presented by Visionairs at its new location in West Kowloon Cultural District (WestK), the exhibition has been created by Histovery in collaboration with Rebuilding Notre-Dame de Paris and is supported by L’Oréal Groupe. This expertly curated, research-based cultural project brings history to life for audiences, and is set to be a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike.
Visionairs’ inaugural exhibition in Hong Kong uses AR technology to transport visitors to NotreDame de Paris and is timed to open in celebration of the landmark’s official reopening to the public on the same day. It is a historically accurate recreation of Notre-Dame de Paris throughout its history, from its origins in the 12th century and its history over 800 years to its meticulous restoration following the devastating fire in 2019.
A HistoPadTM, a portable touch-screen tablet created by Histovery, will act as a gateway to milestones in Notre-Dame de Paris’ history and restoration. Visitors of all ages and technological skill levels can utilise the user-friendly device's technology, peeking into 20 different time portals to the cathedral’s illustrious past, and is available in 13 languages including English, Cantonese and Mandarin. The exhibition takes visitors on an interactive tour that immerses them in grand events, such as the opulent wedding of King Henri IV, Napoleon Bonaparte's magnificent coronation, and the building of the celebrated Viollet-le-Duc spire in the 19th century, which was tragically destroyed in the 2019 fire. The exhibition will highlight the expertise, creativity, and vision of its architects, craftspeople, and builders throughout the centuries, as well as the professionals of the current era who are restoring Notre-Dame de Paris to its former splendour. Prepare to be stunned by artefacts and AR recreations through the cathedral’s history, including a full-size replica of one of the famed chimera statues in the cathedral, a projection and sculpture of one of Notre-Dame's renowned rose windows that survived the fire. Visitors will also be enveloped in the transcendent audio of Notre-Dame’s organ and tolling bells in this multi-sensory experience.
At the exhibition, families can also enjoy interactive elements such as a selfie studio that superimposes faces onto the cathedral's fantastical animal statues, as well as a virtual treasure hunt that challenges visitorsto gather stained glass window shards to win a virtual diploma, which they receive via email.
Notre-Dame de Paris, The Augmented Exhibition has toured worldwide from Paris to Dubai, and Montreal to Shanghai, to date welcoming over 750,000 visitors in 19 locations to experience the story of this French gothic masterpiece.
L'Oréal Groupe is a key donor to the restoration of Notre-Dame de Paris and a sponsor of the exhibition. Harnessing technology to create an inclusive augmented experience lies at the core of L'Oréal's innovative approach. With this unique experience, L'Oréal invites everyone to immerse themselves in the beauty and legacy of Notre-Dame de Paris amid its reopening, embodying the Group’s raison d’être and purpose to "create the beauty that moves the world."
