Cathedrals Are Becoming Ticketed Light-Show Venues to Fund Their Own Restoration
On October 1, an immersive video and choral production opens inside St. Patrick's Cathedral in Manhattan, joining a fast-growing circuit of ticketed light shows now running in active churches from Brussels to Sao Paulo, and raising a real question about where preservation ends and spectacle begins.
Photo: LUMINISCENCE / Banijay Americas
On October 1, St. Patrick's Cathedral in Manhattan will host LUMINISCENCE, a production that projects 360-degree video across the cathedral's interior walls, vaulted ceiling and columns, paired with a live choir and orchestra and narration by actor Jonathan Roumie, known for playing Jesus in "The Chosen." The cathedral remains a working parish and the seat of the Archdiocese of New York throughout the run.
Archbishop of New York Ronald Hicks has endorsed the production directly. "We are grateful for partners like LUMINISCENCE who share our commitment to caring for this historic space and inviting new generations to encounter it, be uplifted, and give glory to God, including the organ that we are committed to preserving," he said. Father Enrique Salvo, the cathedral's rector, also approved the show. Proceeds go toward St. Patrick's restoration, including the Kilgen Organ Campaign, the fund dedicated to preserving the cathedral's historic pipe organ.
LUMINISCENCE was created by LOTCHI, part of Banijay Live and Banijay Americas, and first staged in 2023. The company says its productions have drawn more than 2 million visitors across more than 20 stagings in eight countries, including France, Spain, the UK, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Brazil.
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